Maureen M. Donnelly

Maureen Malloy Donnelly, age 86, passed peacefully in her home on November 13, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Known for her warm smile, engaging personality, and enormous zest for life, Maureen brought joy and light to all who knew her. Her deep and faithful Catholic devotion guided her throughout her life and was a source of strength and joy.

Born and raised in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Maureen was the youngest of five children of Paul Joseph Malloy and Alice (Henderson) Malloy. She grew up in a loving, lively household alongside her siblings — Patricia Randall, JoAnn Dunn, Faye Haluck, and Paul Malloy — all of whom have preceded her in death. Their closeness and family spirit shaped her throughout her life.

Maureen graduated from Seton Hill College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, a testament to her intelligence, curiosity, and dedication to learning.

A devoted parishioner of Saint Ann Catholic Church for over 60 years, Maureen was deeply involved in parish life. Among her many roles, she served on the Liturgy Committee, Parish Council, PTO and wherever else her help was needed. As head lector for decades, Maureen proudly trained new lectors to proclaim the word of God, prepared schedules, and ensured that every liturgy was carried out with reverence and care. Her commitment to the parish community was one of the great callings of her life.

She was a beloved mother to her daughters, Pat and Megan, and a cherished grandmother to Abigail, Maggie, and Jack. She filled their lives with kindness, laughter, and deep, unwavering love. Maureen was treasured by her many nieces and nephews.

Maureen was a surrogate mother and grandmother to a generation of university students in the Washington Ireland Program. Each summer WIP sends 30 young leaders from The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to Washington for internships and service activities. Maureen and her family delighted in all the outstanding men and women they hosted, many of whom happily reciprocated the hospitality during her trips to Ireland.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, November 21, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Murphy’s Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. A Funeral Mass celebrating Maureen’s life will be held at 10:00 AM at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 5300 N. 10th St., Arlington, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Ann Catholic Church Samaritan Fund at https://stannchurch.org/ or to the Washington Ireland Program at wiprogram.org.

Maureen will be remembered for the warmth she offered so freely, her joyful spirit, and the faith that shaped her life. She touched everyone she met. Our loss is profound, but our hope to be reunited with Maureen in God’s kingdom is eternal.