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Maureen O'Malley Obituary
Maureen O'Malley, 66, passed away peacefully on September 16th 2020 after a courageous battle with non-smokers lung cancer. Maureen was raised in River Edge, New Jersey and graduated from River Dell High School in 1972. She obtained a Nursing degree from William Paterson University and later a Master's degree from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. from Rush University.
Maureen was a professor of nursing at the University of Alaska in Anchorage where she was also the assistant department head. She served as an officer in the United States Air Force, first on active duty, including a deployment during Desert Storm, and later in the reserves, where she retired as a Colonel after over 25 years of service.
Maureen is survived by her husband Michael K. Nave, her daughters Barbara and Theresa Nave, her brothers Robert and Paul O'Malley, and her sisters Roseann O'Malley Stichnoth and Jane O'Malley Testa. She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Rosemary O'Malley. She also leaves behind an extended family and many friends, former colleagues and former students. All who knew her benefitted from her kindness and her ability to bring out the best in people. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral Mass Wednesday, September 23 at 1:00 PM (Alaska time)/5:00 PM EST at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Anchorage. Mass will be streamed live via the Church's Facebook page, and archived for later viewing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maureen O'Malley
5 Entries
Rosemary Anderson
January 4, 2021
I was very sad to read of Maureen's passing. Her Mother and Father (Rosemary and Bob) were dear friends of my parents (Mary and Jack) and they were my beloved godparents. While, we had not seen one another in decades, Maureen graciously extended the O'Malley hospitality to me when I did a bike ride in Alaska in 2000. She and her daughters met me at the finish in Anchorage and made me feel welcomed and cared for after a grueling week on the road. We managed to keep in touch for quite some time over the years, mostly at Christmas, not sure when that stopped? My sincere condolences to her husband and daughters and to her brothers and sisters. I will remember Maureen as kind, smart, strong person, a good Mom (she was so proud of her girls) and an accomplished professional. Rest well Maureen - say hello to your Mom and Dad for me. Rosemary Anderson, Watsonville, CA
Lynn Von Schlieder, Maj, USAF, NC (Ret.)
September 24, 2020
On behalf of the Pacific Region of the Society of Air Force Nurses (SAFN), I would like to express our sincere condolences at the loss of your loved one. Please know that we are also mourning the loss of one of our colleagues and friends, Colonel Maureen O'Malley. She will be missed, but she will most certainly not be forgotten by the community of Air Force nurses. Her obituary will be posted in the next monthly Memorial Committee Report which is sent electronically to all SAFN members.
Michael McFadden
September 23, 2020
Dear O’Malley/Nave Family - Please accept my condolences on the passing of Maureen. She was our neighbor and babysitter as we grew up in River Edge NJ. I’d like to share I story that I think epitomizes her character. I was just a young kid and Maureen was a teenager and regularly babysat my sisters and I. One day there was a snowstorm and school was cancelled. Early afternoon there was a knock on the door and it was Maureen who asked my mother to get us all bundled up - she was going to take us sleigh riding. Not as a paid babysitter, just as a kind neighbor. So off we went and we had a wild, fun day sledding down the Monroe Avenue hill with Maureen. I have not seen Maureen in ages but I’ve never forgot that story nor her kindness. May she Rest In Peace.
Jeanne Beaugard
September 23, 2020
My deepest sympathy.
Taylor & Susan West
September 23, 2020
Mike, Barbara, and Theresa:
We are heartbroken to learn of Maureen's death. She was a remarkable woman: highly accomplished, whip-smart, deeply passionate about her family, career, and country, and yet delightfully down to earth. Maureen exuded warmth and genuineness and she had a wonderful sense of humor. The world is a better place because of her presence.
Our deepest condolences to each of you and the extended Nave and O’Malley families.
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