Enjoyed camping and nature
WAKEFIELD — Maureen P. Burgess (Schwarz), aged 63, passed away on August 17 in her childhood home in Wakefield surrounded by her family. Born on February 15, 1961 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, she was a lifelong resident of the area, cherished for her deep connections and kind and caring demeanor with family, friends and community.
Maureen attended Hurd School and Wakefield High School where she formed many lifelong friends and laid the foundation of her future. She recalled her memories vividly, especially winning the fifth-grade dodgeball tournament with her dear friend Laurie (Dacey) Melanson. She relished being back in her childhood home and enjoyed chatting with neighbors from her porch and once again living down the street from Lisa Forlizzi and other lifelong friends. After completing her education, she dedicated many years to a fulfilling career at Marshall’s Loss Prevention office where she was known for her dedication, photographic memory and friendly demeanor. She remained close friends with her mentor Dede (Rotondo) Morelli. She went on to obtain an Associate’s Degree after giving birth to her first child and worked as a proofreader at the Wakefield Daily Item before taking time to work as a personal care assistant for her cousin who was a quadriplegic. She went on to work with computer technology in the Wakefield Public Schools. She ended her career at Wakefield High School in the technology and alternative programs and recalls her time with staff and students there fondly.
Raised in an Irish Catholic home, Maureen was a devout member of St. Joseph’s in Wakefield and grew up actively participating in church activities, contributing to her community’s spirit and warmth. Her faith was always an essential part of her life, providing her with strength and comfort.
She was passionate about spending time with her family and friends, always seizing the opportunity to gather loved ones and create memorable moments. All who knew her knew her house was always open. Maureen grew up camping with her family and lifetime friend Laura (Bowman) Baker on the shores of Newfound Lake; she later met her devoted husband Neil Burgess camping on Martha’s Vineyard and then instilled the same love of camping, nature and family in her daughters Kristine and Ashley and friends.
Maureen is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 39 years, Neil Burgess; live-in daughter Kristine Burgess and her fiancé Oronde Popplewell; daughter Ashley Burgess and her partner Raymond Lafortune; her most precious grandsons Edward Burgess, Oliver Lafortune, Desmond Carson, Gavin Lafortune and Caleb Manning; brother Joseph Schwarz and niece Jessica Schwarz and her fiancé Daniel Denney; sister Karen (Schwarz) Broderick and brother Tom Schwarz; and numerous more cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters in law and love and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Charlotte and Joseph Schwarz; siblings Vicki (Schwarz) Crockett and William (Bill) Schwarz; mother and siblings-in-law; nephews SSG Scott Rose, Jeffrey Burgess and Daniel Schwarz; and beloved friend Leah Mitchell. Maureen’s legacy of love, kindness and community involvement will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.
Her funeral service will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, August 23 at 12 p.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl 17 Chicago, IL 60601. For online guestbook and directions, visit mcdonaldfs.com.
