Maureen O'Brien Greenman

Maureen was the daughter of Mary O'Brien and Thomas Raymond O'Brien. Since childhood, she dreamed of becoming a teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Elementary Education from Barry University in Miami in 1970, and in 1977 she received her Master's in Education in Reading from Northeastern University in Boston.

Her teaching career began in the Boston Public Schools, and after moving to Florida in 1984, she taught at Newberry Junior/Senior High School. In 1994 she joined the faculty at Oak View Middle School in Newberry, where she remained until her retirement in 2010. Over her 35-year career, Maureen was dedicated to helping children learn and grow both academically and socially, imparting her values of kindness and perseverance to every student.

In 1990, Maureen met the love of her life, Wesley Greenman, and they married in 1991. They shared many joyful years together until his passing. Maureen was known for her God-given, beautiful smile and her amazing memory. She cherished time with her family and friends, and she always maintained close ties with her cousins, remembering fondly the many happy times spent together on family property in West Virginia. She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, where she volunteered with the United Women of Faith group on projects that benefited the community. She also gave her time to Hospice, offering comfort to those in need.

Maureen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Tom O'Brien, her sister Pat Gabriels, and her husband Wesley. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws Hazel and Leigh Greenman, and sisters-in-law Gloria Heylmun and Dorothy Greenman.

She is survived by her sisters-in-law Leslie Koc and Linda Greenman; nieces and nephews Sara Bryan, Paige Packman, Gail Heylmun, Lisa Trakas, John O'Brien, Jason O'Brien, Christine O'Brien, Jim O'Brien, Julie Lee, and James Gabriels; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society. Before she passed, Maureen asked that this blessing be shared with all who knew and loved her:

"May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."