Maureen A. McDonough

Maureen Ann McDonough (Burke)

September 3, 1960 – May 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Maureen McDonough, 63, on May 22nd after a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of her passing.

Maureen was born on September 3rd, 1960 to J. Thomas and M. Joann Burke in Columbus, Ohio at The Ohio State University Hospital, always joking she was a natural-born Buckeye. She grew up in Springfield, Ohio as one of eight siblings, becoming a guiding light to the Burke family. Maureen pursued her passion for helping others by becoming a teacher, showing her students that positivity and kindness are life’s most important skills. She met her husband, Michael, in Ohio while out with her sister, Kathleen. Michael will tell you that she latched on to him that night and never let go. They were lovingly married on August 17th, 1991 in Springfield, Ohio. Two years later, they welcomed their daughter, Cara, followed by their son, Colin. As a family they moved to Rockford, Illinois, to follow Michael’s career. Once in Rockford, Maureen briefly taught at St. Edward’s before her tenure at Lincoln Middle School, retiring with a 40 year teaching career. While at Lincoln, Maureen celebrated many professional accomplishments including her involvement with the Spelling Bee, tutoring, and her recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education and Those Who Excel ‘Teacher of the Year’.

Maureen was predeceased by her parents, J. Thomas and M. Joann Burke, and her sister, Kathleen Peterson. She is survived by her husband, Michael, and their children, Cara and Colin; her siblings, Sean Burke, Kyle Burke, Colleen Stucky, Devin Burke, Neal Burke, and Patrick Burke and their many children; and Michael’s siblings, Elizabeth, Johnny, and Mark McDonough and their many children.

Describing Maureen in a few words is a challenging task. She was a loving and devoted wife, a proud mother, a generous sister, caring daughter, passionate teacher, and a beacon of light drawing everyone towards here. She had an infectious, positive attitude that helped foster many lifelong relationships. Her talent for seeing the good in everything kept a smile on the faces of those around her.

A celebration of life will be held at the end of June for family and friends. Please keep her family in your prayers. In lieu of flowers, please spread kindness to others as Maureen would with her infectious and loving character.