Maureen "Moe" Cloonan

Maureen Cloonan passed away on her 78th birthday - a day that began as a celebration of her life and became the day she completed it. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Maureen grew up in the city she called home, attending Lawrence High School and laying the roots of a life defined by fierce independence, sharp intelligence, and deep, abiding love for the people and dogs she held dear.

Maureen was a woman of quiet strength and her own unwavering spirit. She knew her own mind, lived on her own terms, and never needed the world's approval to feel complete. She treasured her long-time friendships deeply, and those cherished lunches with her closest friends and cousins were some of her favorite moments. She loved her family with her whole heart, but she was perhaps most at peace in the company of her beloved dogs, Shiba, Gypsy, Muffy and Sadie - who she spoiled and pampered endlessly.

Music was the soundtrack of Maureen's soul. She had an encyclopedic love for the rock and roll of the 1960s and '70s, and Van Morrison held a special place in her heart above all others. Whether she was humming along to a familiar melody or losing herself in a favorite song, music was where she felt most alive. She also had a playful, tech-savvy side - she loved computer games and had a talent for them that surprised no one who knew how sharp she truly was.

Maureen is survived by her brother, David Cloonan and his wife Fran Cloonan of North Andover, Massachusetts; her three daughters, Rhonda Jean Milano of Massachusetts, Stacy Hutnick and her husband Jeffrey Hutnick of Methuen, Massachusetts, and KerryJo Sampson and her husband, Nigel Sampson of Lyman, Maine; her three grandchildren, Shawn Hutnick, Heather Hutnick, and Joey Hutnick; and her two beloved great-grandsons, Nathan and Parker.

In keeping with her independent spirit, Maureen chose not to have a formal funeral service. Maureen will be cremated, and her family will gather friends and loved ones for a Celebration of Life in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Maureen's name to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 - a cause close to her heart, in honor of the animals she loved so dearly.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Arrangements made by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com