Maureen Patricia (Flannery) Bryden

We are so sad to let you know that Maureen peacefully and with dignity left our world on September 3, 2019.

Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated and felt by all of us.

Maureen loved, lived and cherished the simple gifts that life offered her. 

Maureen herself was a gift to us. 

Some theologies use the word “gift” as synonymous with “grace” as from God.

This well fits Maureen, her work with the sick poor as a Dominican Sister and as the person she was. 

Professionally she worked selflessly & was at her best when caring & consoling the sick poor at Calvary Hospital.

Maureen channeled her special gifts to her patients.... 

love , grace, trust , hope to those in despair, joy to those in sadness and  Faith in Him when there was doubt.    

Maureen liked to sing.  I imagine her words were felt like a calming song that mattered most when needed by the patients she served so well. 

Maureen continued her special work as Founder & Executive Director of the Phelps Memorial Hospital Hospice in Westchester County, NY

Maureen was an inspiring leader in the early days of Palliative Care /Hospice Philosophy. Maureen strongly advocated this philosophy of care as an “alternative patient care 

choice “and help embed it into  our health care system.   

Maureen’s interviews on NBC Network News were break through concepts in the early 1970’s.

Here at the UNC Hospice where Maureen is herself receiving comfort and care, I can feel her work and all she believed in for patients 

How fitting!

Watching Maureen holding the hand and gently, softly whispering in the ear of a terminally ill person was an inspiration.

No one was a stranger for her.  

In the way she honored each person, we glimpse heaven right now it seems to me. 

As a spouse and Mom-
Maureen was  always and totally there for us.

Say no more.  

Maureen’s presence in our life is unmeasurable.

So....we feel deeply sad & will continue to feel the loss of this wonderful person.

After a complicated illness and 4 week hospitalization,  Maureen wanted to return  to a simple ending to her life at the UNC Hospice - and a philosophy of care that she diligently promoted, taught and lived- the dignity of the every human person, 

providing  care , comfort and compassion for the human person especially at the end of life.

Maureen wants  very much that she be remembered simply and personally by all her family and friends in your own way.

For now, we plan a simple , quiet & private goodbye for Maureen as she wanted it.

We know Maureen is free-surrounded by a power called LOVE.  

Amazing Grace!

That’s overwhelming.

It would mean a great deal to me & honor Maureen if you have a “thought

from the heart” about Maureen and would like to share it with Karen and Tara.  

Please  do so as you feel best.

Karen and Tara are a reflection of the specialness of Maureen magnified x 10.

Love and thanks to all.

I am deeply grateful to Tara, Karen & Matt & their sons Declan & Aidan for sending thoughts to Grandma & 

for helping me navigate during this difficult event.

Tim