Obituary of Maureen Loughlin

Maureen Loughlin, 84, loved all things Irish. She came by that love naturally, one of two daughters of Irish immigrants, Julia and Michael Reilly, who settled in the Bronx. She grew up there with her sister Helen, living in a modest one-bedroom apartment. Her mother raised the girls and her father worked as a grocer.

Maureen graduated from Good Counsel College in White Plains, and she met her future husband, Patrick, at a church dance. They wed in 1960 and as their family grew, they moved to New Hyde Park on Long Island where she raised her five children while he worked as an attorney.

Her home was full of Irish items, including a collection of Belleek china and Waterford crystal. On Sundays after church, you could hear the sound of Irish music on her stereo, courtesy of a radio program at Fordham University. On St. Patrick’s Day, she wore her green proudly, and she baked Irish soda bread for family and friends.

Her favorite color was red, her favorite food was chocolate, her favorite bird was the cardinal and her favorite Christmas crooner was Bing Crosby. She loved her summers, enjoying both the beach and the Clinton G. Martin Park pool with her children and friends. She was strong in her likes and dislikes and was not shy about sharing her views on either front.

She enjoyed a good laugh and could get a laugh out of others with her colorful observations. She had a special love for the Italian language. Sometimes, she would practice her Italian during car rides. She had an affinity for sign language as well.

After her children were grown, she developed new interests, including gardening, mahjong and country line dancing. She was active in several senior and church clubs, including the Rosary Society and the Red Hat Society. She doted on her beloved Goldendoodle, Paddy, the last in a long line of dogs that included a mutt, Pugs, Boston Terriers and an Irish Setter.

She loved being a grandmother to her nine grandchildren and was there for countless birthdays and holidays.

The last chapter of her life was marked by a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her fighting and independent spirit never wavered, providing laughs (along with the occasional headache for her family) to the very end.

She leaves a large and loving family behind: daughter Silin Arcidiacono (Guy) of Miller Place, NY, sons Patrick Loughlin (Kimm) of Pittsburgh, PA, Sean Loughlin of Arlington, VA, Farrell Loughlin (Lori) of Oakdale, CT and Terence Loughlin (Cathy) of Carle Place, NY; grandchildren Brian Loughlin, Kevin Loughlin, Brendan Loughlin, James Arcidiacono, Stephen Arcidiacono, Michael Arcidiacono, Amanda Loughlin, Matthew Loughlin and Kerri Loughlin; sister Helen Degnan of Fishkill, NY, and an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. Her husband, Patrick, died in 2007.