Maureen Alice (O’Brien) Maestranzi, 73, of Wenham passed peacefully Tuesday evening January 21st, surrounded by family.
Born December 28th, 1946 in Beverly, she was the beautiful daughter of loving parents Michael Joseph and Ellen Teresa (Butler) O’Brien. She grew up in the small seaside town of Manchester-by-the-Sea on the other side of the tracks. As a child, her father died suddenly on St. Patrick’s day when she was only three years old. This left a lasting impression and became the catalyst for her determination and fortitude as she helped support her mother and brother as soon as she was able. She attended Manchester Memorial Elementary School and graduated June 22nd, 1960. At Manchester High School, “Mo” excelled and distinguished herself with her sense of humor, friendships, radiant smile, and affable personality. She graduated June 12th, 1964 and immediately enrolled in the Robie Secretarial School in Boston and completed her studies June 4th, 1965. She worked for prominent Boston law firms. Due to her hard work and meticulous organization, she became the highest paid secretary in Massachusetts.
In the most brilliant twist of fate, she met her husband, Richard Maestranzi, after her brother ran over the lawnmower gas cap. She went to Maestranzi Bros. to get it fixed and there the cogs of history turned. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Manchester-by-the-Sea June 7th, 1969 and remained together until Richard’s death a year ago.
They could never imagine a life without kids. Thus, Maureen put her career on hold and became the devoted wife and mother to four children about which stories are only written. They lived in Topsfield and eventually settled in Wenham.
A tough woman who practiced tough love, she raised her kids with every ounce of her heart and soul. She immersed herself in their lives in school, sports, activities. She loved her grandchildren possibly even more.
Maureen was a proud Irish lass with that “big feeling.” Irish music and traditions echoed through the home daily. She maintained a close connection to her extended family across the pond. Her personality was contagious and she always had a smile for everyone backed by a great sense of humor and a biting wit. In later years, she always enjoyed and created fun moments in life as a Red Hatter. “A mother’s love’s a blessing, oh, Mom, how true that is. You and Dad are together again and forever in our hearts.”
Surviving her are two sons, Richard “Jas” Maestranzi of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Michael J Maestranzi and his wife Leidy and their children Michael Jr. and Mia Michelle of Nutley, NJ; a daughter, Alanna M. Maestranzi of East Boston; second cousin Bill Galvin of Boston, her Maestranzi family: Leo Maestranzi of Wenham, Rita Cavoli of VA and Anne Cottle of Beverly. And many nieces and nephews, cousins of the Maestranzi, O’Brien, Butler clans across the country and across the pond. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard “Dick” Maestranzi, a brother Michael Joseph “Joe” O’Brien, and a daughter Tara Ellen Maestranzi, and a sister-in-law, Mary Bourque.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church 62 School St., Manchester-by-the-Sea on Tuesday January 28th at 10a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Monday January 27th from 4-7p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Greater New England MS 101A First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/MAM/Donate.
