Maureen Francis Drain

Maureen Francis Drain (née Serr), great appreciator of nature, promoter of peace and lover of her native Chicago, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, with her son Jeremiah by her side.

Born on February 10, 1932, in St. Ignatius Parish to the late Francis and Estelle Serr (née Quinn), Maureen was one of six siblings. As a young woman, she loved dancing with friends and often told her daughters how she wore high heels with “no difficulty whatsoever!”

Maureen earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Loyola University in 1955 and dedicated nearly four decades to teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. In 1985, with the youngest of the five Drain children finished with high school and while working full-time, Maureen went on to earn her Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois.

After retiring in 1993, Maureen embraced life with boundless enthusiasm. She spent her days golfing, playing bridge, hiking, volunteering, and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods by foot and transit. Her adventurous spirit led her to discover a love for active travel through Elderhostel, where she had the unforgettable opportunity to hike the Swiss Alps. Maureen marveled at the beauty of the world around her, often expressing her deep gratitude for the joy and wonder these experiences brought to her life.

Maureen was married to the late Jerome T. Drain, with whom she shared five children, before their eventual divorce. She is survived by her children Mary Drain (Jim Zenk), Brigid Pumo (Bill Pumo), Margaret Drain (Gerard Iacullo), Loretta Rose (John Rose), and Jeremiah Drain; her grandchildren Lauren Hamilton, Ryley Pumo, Ian Rose, Keith Rose, and Claire Rose; and her siblings Alice Serr (Clark Fields), Jerry Serr, and Kevin Serr. She is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Therese Geyer (née Serr) (Irving Geyer), and Francis Serr (Katy).

An avid explorer of both nature and cities, Maureen found joy in walking outdoors, relishing the fresh air on her face. Though a lifelong city dweller—proudly residing in a third-floor walk-up in Rogers Park—she cherished Montana’s Glacier National Park as her favorite place in the world.

To honor Maureen’s memory, the family invites you to support your favorite state or national park—or, even better, visit one and take a good hike.