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Maura KEALEY Obituary
Maura Kealey passed away in Montreal on Tuesday, April 2nd. Maura was a writer, a broadcaster, a TV producer, a traveler, a viola player, and an accomplished cook, among her many talents. Born in Ottawa, into the large and loving Kealey family, Maura moved to Montreal in the late 1980s. She made her mark here on CBC radio, where she is still remembered for the stories she told. Among them, walking down St. Urbain with Mordecai Richler. Over the past fifteen years, she worked as a researcher, writer and producer of some of the best TV magazine shows produced in Montreal, including Popular Mechanics for Kids and Dogs With Jobs. Maura was unfailingly generous, and gifted with a sharp sense of humour. She leaves behind her beloved husband Robert Cadloff, her parents Owen and Pat Kealey . Predeceased by her sister Susan, she is survived by her sister Kathy (Ed Willes) of Vancouver, Judy of Toronto, Sheila (John Lewis) of Ottawa and brothers David and Peter (Jeannie Roper) of Ottawa. Much loved aunt of Josh, Emily, Sarah, John Patrick, Robert, Evan, Camryn and Griffin. There will be a celebration of Maura's life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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55 Entries
Kate Orland Bere
August 11, 2024
I was a fellow student with Maura at McGill University ['87-'89' for Maura, I was there until 1990], both of us studying English Literature, and both of us interested in radio. I co-produced the CKUT Radio show Hersay - and I think that fact probably was what cemented, at the time, our friendship. But I was a single mom [divorced] and hence more than busy. After the summer of '88, I spent every summer in North Carolina with my future husband, who was completing his PhD at Duke University. I left Montreal for U of T grad school in the fall of 1990. I don't even know the last time I saw Maura, but we did remain in touch for a while. It was my fault, our falling out of touch - but the last letter I have from Maura, I still have that letter- at least a portion of it, and I have uploaded 3 pages of it here.
I was so overwhelmed at the time I received her letter - with motherhood, graduate work, and moving [quite a number of times our family moved in quick succession with my husband's academic career], I don't think I responded to her letter. This is was not intentional!
But I had never forgotten Maura. We did land back in Montreal a decade later and finally, I wrote to her, finding her email online - after the death of my husband of AAA - of aortic dissection - in 2009. How could I have known that this was scary for her to hear from me suddenly, not only after so much time had passed - almost 20 years! - and to hear that I had lost so suddenly my partner - and from AAA. She explained that she had just had surgery recently for the same condition, and she could not handle the intensity of a relationship knowing what had happend to Andrew [whom she had never met]. I totally got that; I understood. I was sad for her; sad for us both. It was freaky, that cooincidence [AAA].
Today, for unknown reasons, I looked up Maura, hoping to see what she had gone on to accomplish - for Maura was always engaged and excited about her work. In April of 2013, when she had passed, I was making plans to leave Montreal after 12 years there, and had no idea that she was gone. I just want to express to her family today that Maura was indeed entirely special, and I recognized that when I met her at McGill - and we had such great times togethern - fabulous conversations & deep belly laughs. I did not intentionally fall away. She was one of those larger-than-life people, full of exuberance & joy when I knew her. And I do fully understand just how meaningful glimpses of the ones we love truly are, long after they are gone beyond us. I don't have photographs of Maura to share nor specific stories when so much time has passed, but I did save that letter that she wrote to me sometime after I had moved to be my husband Andrew in N.C. [USA].We had just had our daughter, Madeleine, who still lives in Montreal. I saved that letter through countless moves around the continent. If it provides now some small sliver of joy to those still cherishing memories of Maura, that would be wonderful. And the fact that I have never let that letter go, and still decided to call her in what was I think 2010 [not sure exactly when] - this proves that I had not ever fogotten Maura. Life just became utterly complicated back in the early '90's with family life and moving too many times.
If you are ever having a party or an anniversary COL to remember Maura, do please put me on your list.
My deepest condolences to you all. - Kate Orland Bere [email protected]
Maureen Bossy
March 30, 2019
Dear Pat and family,
My heart goes out to you as you relive your pain and sorrow
Maureen
Robert Grondin
November 16, 2013
I was shocked and saddened to read about Mauras passing. IT's been a long time but I certainly remember her as the funkiest of the Kealys.
My condolences to the entire family.
Andrée Blais
September 16, 2013
Dear Kealy family,
It is with great sadness that I hear of Maura's passing. We were in many classes together at De La Salle and I can only remember her enthousiasm for life.
I saw her again with great delight at our 25th yr reunion and it was as if we had seen each other the day before. My deepest condolences.
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September 13, 2013
Sheila
Sue told me this very sad news this morning. It is hard to believe you have lost 2 sisters My memories of Maura , although from a longtime ago , are quite clear ; and that is of a smiling laughing beauty and the smile was from her whole face. To her husband and family I am so sorry for your grief although what a shining star to have known. You are all in my thoughts and prayers with deepest sympathies jeannie Ducros
Rosalind Penty
August 14, 2013
Dear Maura,
We shared many bus rides to and from de la Salle in high school days. My strongest memory of being with you is laughing a lot...especially when you played Dolly Parton to my Emmylou. I cherish those memories and will hold that laughter in my heart. Thank you.
May 5, 2013
Dear Maura's family; I send you all my love, courage and shared grief as Maura and I had found each other again in Montreal years after she and I walked to school every day together for two years. She taught me English and I French. We had just seens each other in March. I am with all of you, lots of memories from Monkland street, big hug, lots of tears and laughter mixed as Maura always did. With my deepest respect and sadness Isabelle Raynauld : [email protected]
Graham and Madeline
April 27, 2013
Dear Dr.& Mrs. Kealey, husband Bob, and the Kealey family:
We send our heartfelt sympathies and condolences for your families' sudden loss of Maura recently. We offer our love, strength and support to you all through this difficult time.
Jane Davey
April 24, 2013
Dear Pat, Owen, Kathy, Judy, Sheila, David and Peter,
I was very sad to hear about Maura's passing. I read her entire blog and she made an indelible impression upon me with her incredible living-life-to-the fullest attitude, as well as her amazing courage. An inspiration for the rest of us who sometimes forget how precious life is. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. Warmest regards, Jane Davey
On another note, I recently scanned some slides I took of various Kealey family members at Kerry Benoit's wedding all those years ago. They include pictures of Maura and Susan. If you would like me to send you some, you can reach me at:
[email protected]
Taras Dejneka
April 21, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Bob and the Kealey family. May you find strength in this time of loss. Her memory will burn brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Marc O'Sullivan
April 16, 2013
Dear Kealey clan: please accept the sincere condolences of a former De LaSalle classmate.
Lynn Sveinbjornson
April 11, 2013
Dear Bob and Family
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your lovely, talented and spirited Maura! She was such a bright star! She will be so missed!
Andrea Cadloff Feldman
April 11, 2013
To My Dear Cousin Bob, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and the Keeley family. I was so sadden to hear the news of the passing of your wife Maura. I remember years back I had called your house to talk to you and she said you had just left for work. We had a lovely conversation on the phone and told her that hopefully one day we could meet when I came into montreal to visit. My heart goes out to you so sorry.
Cousin Andrea & Family
Nancy Buzzell
April 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Kathy and all of the Kealey family.
Lisa Bradburn
April 9, 2013
Although I only knew you for a total of 5 days, your prescience lightened the room in our writing class in Ottawa during the spring of 2009. Many blessings to you Maura, you're now in a place of unconditional love and peace.
Sincerely
Lisa Bradburn
Dan Moskaluk
April 9, 2013
To the Kealy family, my deepest condolences for your loss. As a fellow student and friend/acquaintance of Maura in many classes together at De La Salle it was evident back then that Maura would certainly make her positive mark on the world. She was back then a creative, intelligent and sensitive beautiful person whom I had the pleasure to get to know. So sad to hear. Daniel Moskaluk (BC)
Doreen Fox Loughlin
April 8, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Bob and the Kealey family.
Zelda McCambley O'Neill
April 8, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Maura's passing. I will always remember her smiling face and her laughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
April 8, 2013
Dear Owen and members of the Kealy family: It was with shock and great sadness that we learned today of Maura's passing. On behalf of the volunteers and staff of the Shepherds of Good Hope, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marthe Benoit
April 8, 2013
Maura,
You are tightly woven into the fabric of my youth. May you shine on in your eternal beauty. My thoughts and prayers go out to your husband and the Kealey family.
All my love,
Marthe Benoit
Diana Hilton
April 8, 2013
We treasure wonderful Maura memories. She taught us a lot & I'm grateful for all the laughter & travel talk. Deepest condolences to Bob & the Kealey clan.
April 8, 2013
Dear Pat &Owen,
Our deepest sympathy to you & your family,
Jan &Robert
Linda Rae
April 7, 2013
To all who know and love Maura, my heart is breaking for you.
I didn't know Maura well, but she was the one professional contact I had when I moved to Montreal. She was so helpful and supportive (beyond what was expected or hoped for) and I will always be grateful I knew her even a little. I will remember her with immense respect and as a role model for how to treat others.
April 7, 2013
Dear Pat & Owen,
Our deepest condolences to you, your children & Maura's husband. We share your grief. No one should ever lose a child. We know the pain is unbearable. God must have needed two more angels.
Maureen & Leo Bossy
Eric & Elena Despres
April 7, 2013
We were both surprised and saddened to hear of Maura's passing away. She had been in our prayers during her surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now Pat and Owen, that you may find strength and peace during this time of sorrow.
Hugh Macdonnell
April 6, 2013
I knew Maura in the late 1980s in Montreal. Gosh she was a hoot! She was a determinedly different person and I enjoyed so much getting to know her. She taught me how to cut garlic by crushing the bud with the knife handle. To this day, I think of her whenever I cut garlic. While I have not seen her in 20+ years, by reading her blog I see that hers was a full life well lived. Best wishes to you, her family as you celebrate her great life and mourn her death.
Jim Wiley
April 6, 2013
Dear Pat, Owen, Bob and the rest of the Kealey family,
News of Maura's passing reached me yesterday. I was deeply saddened that the glint of her eye, her smile and her cheerful disposition must now live in our memories amongst our cottage families. Please accept my most sincere and heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My heart, my thoughts and my prayers are with you.
Douglas Cunningham
April 6, 2013
Dear Pat and Owen, I was so sorry to learn of Maura's passing. My sincere condolences to you both and the Kealey family.
April 6, 2013
Dear Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers.It is not an ending,just a brief separation.
We wiah you strength and joyful memories.
Love,
Nan and Ken Lefebvre
Larry Zakaib
April 6, 2013
Dear Bob,
I just learned of your wife's passing away. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Larry Zakaib
RoseAnn Hart
April 6, 2013
I was so sorry to read of your daughter's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rose Ann Hart.
Megan Doyle Ray
April 5, 2013
I was lucky enough to cross paths with Maura at Glebe over 30 years ago and our friendship endured throughout those years. She was one of my oldest and dearest friends who I will always miss. Time spent with Maura was always interesting, fun and memorable. Bob, Pat, Owen and the rest of Kealey family you are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Much love to you all.
April 5, 2013
Dear Pat and Owen,
We are so sorry about Maura. Our hearts and our love go out to you. Tannis and Roger Salhany
April 5, 2013
Dear Bob,
We were saddened to hear of Maura's passing. She was a lovely person and we remember our chats over the garden fence. Our thoughts are with you.
Natalie, Joel, Maria, Luca and Carla Gasparini
April 5, 2013
Our heart goes out to Bob Owen and Pat and all your family . Our deepest Sympathy on the passing of Maura. May she rest in Peace.
Jim and Norah Hoskinson
Andrea, Ward, Sidney, Elsa and Marilyn
April 5, 2013
I remember Maura's exuberance and laughter at summer cottage gatherings, and I imagine she has left a bountiful legacy of warm memories for family and friends to share. Our heartfelt condolences to Bob, Pat, Owen and the Kealey family.
April 5, 2013
Dear Bob,
We are saddened to hear about Maura's passing. She was a lovely
person and we fondly remember our summer chats over the garden fence. Our thoughts are with you.
Natalie, Joel, Maria, Luca and Carla
Rosemary Copeland-Jones
April 5, 2013
To the Kealey clan, Our deepest sympathies to one and all, from the Copeland clan.
Peter Dunlap
April 5, 2013
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Kealey, Bob and Maura's dear Brothers and Sisters:
We were deeply saddened to learn of Maura's passing. I have many fond memories of fun visits to the Cottage Compound at Kars and they were always made more fun when Maura and the rest of the Kealeys were around. She was always so welcoming with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. May she rest in peace.
Maria Grootjes
April 5, 2013
Dear Owen and Pat. Here in Holland I heard of your terrible loss.I'm thinking of you and wish you lots of strength during this difficult time.
Ian Wright
April 5, 2013
When I would see Moura arrive at the Kealey cottage from my house my first instinct was to run over and give her a hug. I am sure everyone who knew her felt the same way.
Pat, Owen, Bob and family, you are in our thoughts.
The Whalen Family
April 5, 2013
Dear Pat and Owen and family,
We're so sorry to read of the loss of your daughter Maura. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Juliet O'Manique
April 5, 2013
An amazing women I've known and loved all my life. I am so saddened and sending all my love to Bob, Owen, Pat and all the family.
Katerine LeMay
April 5, 2013
My deepest condolences to Bob and the Kealey's. Maura was a dear friend, a kind and gentle soul. She will be missed.
Michael Giunta
April 5, 2013
Sincere condolences. Maura was one of the best things about working on our TV show.
Jacob Potashnik
April 5, 2013
She has left a beautiful light in her wake. No more sorrows for her family.
Nancy (Beahen) Bellefeuille
April 5, 2013
Owen and Pat
I am so sorry for your loss of Maura. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Katie Malloch
April 5, 2013
When I remember Maura, it's her sparkling eyes and wide smile that fill the picture. Bob, Maura loved to tell the story of how you two met, and how happy you made her. My condolences to you, and to Maura's family.
Michael Trent
April 5, 2013
Forever in my thoughts, memories rich with laughter, great food and love. Condolences to the Kealey family and Bob.
Suzannah Millette
April 5, 2013
Maura was a bright soul, a generous, kind and talented woman. She mentored many younger storytellers. She's missed.
Diane
April 5, 2013
My condolences to Bob and all of Maura's family and friends.
Margaret Parker
April 5, 2013
My deepest condolences to Bob and the Kealey family -- you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Margaret Parker
April 5, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and the Kealey family -- I am so sorry for your loss.
Mariette and Matt. Hamilton
April 5, 2013
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Maura .
Alison Strayer
April 5, 2013
Maura, as you went along, you scattered your singular path with brilliant beauty and light and love and fun, and so much of what the world needs in the way of healing. My heart goes out to Bob, Owen and Patricia, and all your loving family.
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