Maureen S. Hoey

1946 - 2025

Maureen Sarah (O'Shea) Hoey, 79, of Irwin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Nov. 23, 2025, in Johnstown. She was born March 11, 1946, in Braddock, to the late Timothy and Loma (Connolly) O'Shea. In addition to her parents, Maureen was preceded in death by her brother, Larry; and brothers- and sisters-in-law. Maureen is survived by her son, William (Tara) Hoey; and her three daughters, Erin Adams, Shannon (Kevin Hahn) Woleslagle, and Tara (Daniel) Penrod. She was a proud and loving grandmother to eight grandchildren, Brian, Timothy, Miranda, Jackson, Braden, Connor, Donovan, and Finnegan. She is also survived by her brothers, Danny and his wife, Patty, and Timothy; as well as her sister, Linda; sister-in-law, Donna; and many cherished nieces and nephews. In a small home forever warmed by laughter, grace, and the scent of Christmas pine lived a woman whose light touched everyone who passed through her door. She was a mother whose strength seemed effortless, whose smile carried a spark of Irish wit, and whose heart held enough love to steady everyone around her. To her children, she was the kind of mom you spend your whole life hoping to become patient, kind, and always giving more than she ever took. Growing up, we saw how she had a remarkable gift for finding the positive in any situation. We may not have come from much, but she made everyone feel rich in the ways that truly matter: love, laughter, comfort, and belonging. Her kindness, her generosity, and the thoughtful way she treated others shaped who we became and how we see the world. She moved through life with quiet resilience, the sort that made others believe they could rise too. Even on the hardest days, she found a reason to smile, a reason to lift someone else up, and a reason to share a bit of humor. In her presence, burdens felt lighter, days felt softer, and the world felt just a little safer. Her Irish heritage flowed through everything she did. She carried her roots with pride; her quick humor, her storytelling, her warmth, and the spark of mischief in her smile all felt distinctly Irish. She loved celebrating her family's history. reminding us that being Irish meant more than ancestry; it meant strength in hardship, joy in small moments, and loving your people with fierce loyalty. Christmas was her season, her joy. She loved the lights, the music, her Hallmark movies, and the magic of gathering together. Gift-giving brought her pure happiness; she delighted in choosing meaningful gifts for the people she loved, even if it meant spending her last dollar. Each year, the glow of the tree seemed to shine a little brighter because of her. Her greatest joy of all was her grandchildren. She was endlessly patient and gentle with them, celebrating every milestone, every laugh, and every moment. She was always proud of each grandchild exactly as they were, embracing their personalities, their dreams, and their differences with unconditional love. Nothing lit up her eyes more than seeing them play, learn, and grow. She was a wonderful Gram, Mammaw, who loved with her whole heart. She was a remarkable role model and a devoted mother and grandmother, and she was deeply loved by many. She was a beautiful soul who lived with grace, loved without hesitation, and left this world with the same gentle spirit she carried through it. And though she has now become an angel, her story continues in every smile she inspired, every kindness she offered, and every heart she touched. May her light shine on in all of us who loved her. We love you, a bushel and a peck! Friends will be received from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin, PA 15642. Burial will be private. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.ottfuneralhome.com.