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Maureen Purtell Obituary

Maureen G. Purtell, PhD, ARNP, BC Founded Nashua Psychiatric Associates SOUTH CHELMSFORD Maureen G. (Cody) (Grenham) Purtell, PhD, ARNP, BC, age 57, a resident of South Chelmsford, died unexpectedly on Wednesday July 9th, at her home. She was the wife of Richard N. Purtell. She was born in Lowell, on April 13, 1951, and was the daughter of the late Frederick J. and Jennie H. (Jaskolka) Cody. She received her early education in Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School, class of 1969. Among her many activities there were Girl Officers, and writing a Lowell Sun column, Teen Talk. She continued her education, graduating from Lowell State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, Boston College with a Master of Science degree. She then earned her proudest achievement, a PhD in Psychopharmacology from Columbus University. She worked at the E.N. Rogers VA Hospital in Bedford, MA for over 25 years. While there she earned awards for her unstinting devotion to our military veterans. She founded the Lowell Veterans Community Center outreach program and later served as nurse practitioner at the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Boston. After retiring from the VA, she was Nurse Practitioner at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates in Chelmsford and Staffier Associates in Westboro. Subsequently, she started her own practice, Nashua Psychological Associates in Nashua, NH until her illness forced her retirement in 2006. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Keith Grenham and his wife, Amy of Ledyard, CT; Kristin (Grenham) Sullivan and her husband, Michael of Cary, NC; Kyla Purtell, a student at University of North Carolina at Greensboro; her stepdaughter, Melissa (Purtell) Rappleyea and her husband, Travis of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Shea Sullivan, Nolan Sullivan, Kaitlyn Grenham, Colton Christensen and Raina Rappleyea; her brother, Rick Cody and his wife, Mary Ann of Viera, FL; her dear Aunt, Jackie Cody of Lowell; as well as several cousins; and many friends. PURTELL Friends may call at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT, on Monday from 5 until 8 P.M. Her funeral will be held from the funeral home on Tuesday at 11 A.M., followed by her Funeral Service at 12 P.M. at St. Casimir Church in Lowell. Interment in Heart Pond Cemetery in S. Chelmsford. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in her name to the E.N. Rogers VA Hospital, C/O Volunteer Service, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford, MA 01730. For online condolences and directions visit dracutfuneralhome.com.
Published by Lowell Sun on Jul. 13, 2008.

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10 Entries

Jean McCauley

July 16, 2008

07/14/2008 Jean McCauley [email protected]
Dunstable, Ma, U.S.A.
Moe was truly one of a kind! She had such a wonderful outlook on life. She was one of the most compassionate and empathic people I have ever known, although I think....it was her wonderful sense of humor that I will miss most. I thought the two of us had figured out a way to grow old together....and make the "golden years" something to really look forward to (despite the aches and pains...and all the glorious things that go along with aging). Having a friend like Moe makes one realize just how IMPORTANT a friendship can be! I will do my best to face growing old without her, but I seriously doubt it will be what "it might have been" without her. Her beautiful smile and her contagious giggle will be forever in my heart. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. It does my heart good to recall all the wonderful things she had to say about her children and how very proud she was of them! Sincerely, Jean

Betty Norton

July 15, 2008

Dear Keith,Kristen,Kyla and Aunt Jackie.I'm so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Moe.Knowing her she will spread sunshine above as she has in life.May God be with you in your time of sorrow.

Philip & Lynne Scannell

July 15, 2008

I knew Maureen as a young girl and I always found her to be extremely bright and outgoing,I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers !

nancy cohen

July 14, 2008

My deepest sympathies to the Purtell family. I worked with Maureen at the VCCC,Lowell,Ma.It was more than just going to work when one is blessed to be in the presence of Moe as we so fondly called her.Moe was Chief of the VCCC,Veterans Community Care Center ~ and Chief that she was !!! She was a role model,an advocate, a spokeslady and just a brillant woman.Her charm & personality always won you over...I shall sadlly miss MS Moe.May god bless her always.

(Bill's) Aunt Debbie, Uncle Tony, Tony and Devon Manning

July 14, 2008

Kyla and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. I believe that we met your Mom only once, at Billy's house a few years back at a 4th of July party. We remember her clearly for her magnetic personality. Please know that we are thinking of you and are here for you if you need anything.
Lots of love,

R Bradley Potts, NP

July 14, 2008

I'm so sorry to here of Moe's passing. I've known her since we worked together at the VA Hospital. I was so happy when she went into private practice. She saw so many of my patients, and ALL were extremely satisfied with the care they received from her. There has not been a replacement, and perhaps there never will. I will miss her

Mary Hebert

July 14, 2008

so sorry to hear of Moe's passing. I also grew up with her on West Third St. I remember going to all her birthday parties as a child. Maureen and I also had to sing a song together at our Jr. High School Graduation from Varnum school. We had many adventures as children, Maureen loved to put on plays in the back yard. She will be missed.

Mary(Golden)Hebert

Maureen Freeman

July 13, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss. Maureen was an amazing person. When I was having a tough time
Maureen made it easy. I will miss her so much. God Bless you Moe!!

Linda Golden/Buckjune

July 13, 2008

I was shocked to hear of Moe's passing. I have known her all my life since we were just kids on West Third St. we grew up together and were best friends for years. Although we have not see each other over the years we still remained friends and when we did get together it was just like we never missed a day we just continued where we left off. Once when it ws my birthday she wrote me a poem on a cash register tape it was about 5 ft long and then when I turned 40 she wrote me another poem which I still have today 18yrs later Boy she liked to write. I will miss her she will never be forgoten In this life all you need is one friend she was that one Rest in peace best friend Love Linda

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