01/01/2026
Maureen Theresa Robinson passed away from cardiac complications on the 16th of December 2025 in Gainesville, Florida at the age of 78. She is survived by her daughter Mary and son Gregg. She will be laid to rest following a private, graveside ceremony presided by a Catholic priest.
Born on the 8th of October 1947 in Beacon, New York, she was the daughter of Thomas F. and Amanda J. Healey. She was the eighth of their fifteen children which included: Thomas, Joan, Vernice, Kathleen, Joseph, Anne, Roberta, Patricia, James, Robert, Patrick, Peter, Amanda, and Michael. Her family attended St. Joachim Church. Maureen attended elementary school at St. Joachim School where she excelled and graduated in 1961. Upon her confirmation, she selected the name Theresa which she adopted as her middle name. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes but graduated from Beacon High School in June 1965. While there, she was active in drama, sports, and clubs but took a strong interest in English and History. Pursuing her love of education, she earned an associate’s degree from Dutchess Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from Marist College, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rollins College. She was the first in her family to attend college.
At various points throughout her life, she lived in Mississippi, Florida, Delaware, and North Carolina. She frequently travelled to many places such as England, Denmark, Sweden, Puerto Rico, and Paraguay, as well as many states including Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona to name a few. Seemingly always in motion and full of energy, people often mistook her for younger because she had such a youthful energy. Her grey eyes often twinkled, darting back and forth as she processed information serving as a precursor to something insightful or sassy.
One of her proudest achievements was her career in education. She kept various cards and mementos that students gifted her over the years. She achieved the difficult feat of becoming a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher, signifying her commitment to her students, professional development in pedagogy, and her pursuit of knowledge. Publications include articles in Instructor, The Social Studies, Media and Methods, as well as Secondary Education and The Clearing House. During conversations, she would frequently say “You know, there’s an article in that”. On Halloween, she would dress up as golfer Babe Didrikson or a flapper for her students. She would bring a railroad spike, tell her students it was the Golden Spike, to see if any of her students would question why the spike was not gold as a way of encouraging critical thinking. For forty years, she taught English and History to students of various ages, ranging from middle school to university, including but not limited to St. Theresa’s Elementary, West Orange High, Bishop Moore High, Parkway Middle, Talley Middle, and University of Central Florida. After retiring, she remained active in education as an exam evaluator and private tutor.
Maureen was a devoted mother, her proudest achievement in life. Her children, Mary and Gregg, adored her. Mary was her constant companion and Gregg called every day; Maureen would text them daily, indicating they were frequently on her mind. For many years, she juggled teaching and motherhood, picking them up from school, chaperoning various class trips, attending various recitals, games, performances, activities, or lessons. She indulged their love of learning, genuinely delighting in their happiness and achievements. A victory seemed sweeter, knowing she was in the audience cheering them on. Her love language, quality time, was spent in engaging conversations, creating memories such as a trip to the Grand Canyon, or simply sharing a movie together. Her house was decorated with photos of various memories and achievements throughout the years. With a robust sense of humour, she excelled at making her children laugh by turning the mundane into something absurd. Her face would light up and she would beam with pride whenever she discussed her children, who miss her dearly.
Often, she could be found outside in the yard, keeping active and enjoying the Florida heat. An avid reader, Maureen would lounge on her chaise in the living room, lay in her hammock on the catio, or in bed with her cats, a good book in her hands. She enjoyed decorating the house and yard for Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Independence Day, as well as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Christmas, however, remained her undisputed favourite holiday. Every inch of the house interior would be decorated, before she would move on to decorating the yard and house exterior. She enjoyed family traditions and gave the best presents, going above and beyond for just the right gift. Every year, Christmas was the family highlight because of her efforts.
Mary and Gregg know whatever time they had with her would never be enough. They are profoundly grateful for being able to share their lives with such a character and strong woman they called mom. All that remains, are these beautiful remains of a remarkable woman with a life well-lived.
Maureen was born on October 8th, 1947 and passed away on December 16th, 2025 at the age of 78
