Maureen F. Fitzgerald Keegan

Born in Alton, IL & having grown up in St. Louis, she attended an all-girls Catholic HS, Rosati-Kain. Following graduation her family moved to Yuma where her father co-owned a gas station on 4th Ave. It was through family that she moved to Yuma and through family that she met her life-long love and partner John. While working at a dept store, Maureen met Gertrude Keegan and was set-up on a blind date with Gertrude's brother John. They were married on 1/31/51 at the old ICC on Main St and…as they say; the rest is history.The two believed in family so much they decided to "go big". Together they had 8 children; Katharine Mary, Peter Francis, Patrick Fitzgerald, Teresa Margaret, Lorraine Anne, Paul Francis, Francis Edward and Mary Frances. Mom was an inspiration to all who aspire to pursue their dreams. After having had all 8 of her children, Mom went to college to pursue her teaching degree. She was a proud AWC Matador and an even prouder ASU Sun Devil. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees and began her teaching career which included positions at a number of schools. Mom continued to learn, grow and contribute as she joined Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, and served leadership roles in AZ Education Assoc. as well as serving on the Yuma Union High School District Governing Board. With the support of her family, she completed her professional journey and along the way provided a roadmap to career and personal success for many of us who could only see roadblocks. Her tenacity in her career was only surpassed by her faith in God, love of her family and commitment to her community. Maureen's service to the Catholic church extended to her roles as volunteer to clean, sew garments, serve as a Eucharistic Minister and serve on a Diocesan committee in Tucson. To her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Mom was "the force". She was the source of encouragement, support and occasionally some frank criticism. Until she was no longer able, Mom and Dad spent countless hours watching practices, games and celebrations and would provide "feedback" following the event. Maureen never knew a stranger. Mom would often share personal, and occasionally embarrassing, stories with strangers in the checkout line at the grocery store. She taught us to trust, share and be the change for which we hoped. In this way, she often blurred the line of family and community and gave her children a sense of belonging to something greater than the members of a household. While she will be greatly missed, Maureen leaves behind a legacy of family, faith and service for her children and her community. Her life stands as a lesson and model of God's plan for how we should love, commit, and accept everyone as all part of the greater whole.