Maureen Helen (née Shean) Ridgeway, 85, passed away at her home on November 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a long period of declining health.
Born on February 6, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Chicago, she graduated from Alvernia High School, where she formed friendships that endured throughout her life.
She was the beloved mother of three daughters — Maureen Fronczak-Rogers, Patricia Fronczak and Theresa (Joe) Budris — and the cherished Mema of her grandchildren Jaclynn (Ryan) Marie, Kathleen (Noa) Fronczak, Sarah (Cory) Fisher, Renee (Dylan) Budris, Bohuslav Rogers and Jakub Rogers — and the great-grandmother of Bailey Fisher and Adaline Fisher and the late Arylai Maureen Gorecki — all of whom she treasured immeasurably.
A defining part of Maureen’s life was her lifelong devotion to her older sister, Patricia (“Patsy”), who lived with an intellectual disability. For decades, Maureen was quite literally her sister’s keeper — advocating for her, organizing her care, celebrating her milestones, and ensuring she was always included in family life. Though Patsy’s fierce independence often made this role complex, Maureen’s steadfast love and sense of responsibility never wavered.
Maureen was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Edna Shean; her siblings Charles (Pamela) Shean Jr., Edna (James) Toe, and Patricia (Ernest) Pickell; and her first husband, Lawrence Fronczak. She later shared many happy years with her second husband, William Ridgeway. She is also remembered fondly by members of the Ridgeway family, with whom she shared an important chapter of her life.
Maureen’s greatest joys were her family, her friendships that spanned decades, her avid love of movies, writing stories about her life experiences, gardening and the small rituals of holiday decorating and hospitality that made her home so warm and welcoming — “like walking into a hug,” as some of her family members have said.
She will be remembered for her generosity, her eagerness to help anyone, and her deep capacity for forgiveness. A loyal and steadfast friend, she offered unconditional love to her family and close friends throughout her life.
In accordance with her wishes, a private gathering to honor her life will be held at a later date. Also in keeping with her wishes, as she preferred simple remembrances and quiet reflection, the family requests no flowers or memorial gifts.
Born on February 6, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in Chicago, she graduated from Alvernia High School, where she formed friendships that endured throughout her life.
She was the beloved mother of three daughters — Maureen Fronczak-Rogers, Patricia Fronczak and Theresa (Joe) Budris — and the cherished Mema of her grandchildren Jaclynn (Ryan) Marie, Kathleen (Noa) Fronczak, Sarah (Cory) Fisher, Renee (Dylan) Budris, Bohuslav Rogers and Jakub Rogers — and the great-grandmother of Bailey Fisher and Adaline Fisher and the late Arylai Maureen Gorecki — all of whom she treasured immeasurably.
A defining part of Maureen’s life was her lifelong devotion to her older sister, Patricia (“Patsy”), who lived with an intellectual disability. For decades, Maureen was quite literally her sister’s keeper — advocating for her, organizing her care, celebrating her milestones, and ensuring she was always included in family life. Though Patsy’s fierce independence often made this role complex, Maureen’s steadfast love and sense of responsibility never wavered.
Maureen was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Edna Shean; her siblings Charles (Pamela) Shean Jr., Edna (James) Toe, and Patricia (Ernest) Pickell; and her first husband, Lawrence Fronczak. She later shared many happy years with her second husband, William Ridgeway. She is also remembered fondly by members of the Ridgeway family, with whom she shared an important chapter of her life.
Maureen’s greatest joys were her family, her friendships that spanned decades, her avid love of movies, writing stories about her life experiences, gardening and the small rituals of holiday decorating and hospitality that made her home so warm and welcoming — “like walking into a hug,” as some of her family members have said.
She will be remembered for her generosity, her eagerness to help anyone, and her deep capacity for forgiveness. A loyal and steadfast friend, she offered unconditional love to her family and close friends throughout her life.
In accordance with her wishes, a private gathering to honor her life will be held at a later date. Also in keeping with her wishes, as she preferred simple remembrances and quiet reflection, the family requests no flowers or memorial gifts.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Maureen Helen Ridgeway, please visit our flower store.
Maureen Helen Ridgeway's Guestbook
Visits: 20
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors