Maureen Grace McMaster

Maureen Grace McMaster, born May 2, 1960, passed away suddenly on March 11, 2025, in Greenacres, Florida, while doing what she loved most-swimming, a passion that once earned her a trophy for backstroke. Maureen grew up in Washingtonville, New York, and graduated from Washingtonville Central School. She went on to attend Orange County Community College and worked in a variety of fields throughout her life, including retail and telemarketing, but her favorite role by far was modeling wedding dresses-a job that perfectly suited her vibrant spirit and flair for the dramatic. She was a joyful soul who lit up every room with her love for singing, dancing, and making others smile. She found deep connection and community through her time at the Gathering Place and RSS, where she formed lasting friendships and shared her infectious enthusiasm for life. Maureen had a deep love for her family and treasured their travels together to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and especially Italy. Known for her flamboyant fashion sense, her bold jewelry, and one-of-a-kind outfits, Maureen carried herself with a movie star's grace and a heart full of joy. A devoted prayer warrior, her faith was an important part of her life, and she attended Cobleskill United Methodist Church and contributed her time and energy to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Orange and Schoharie Counties. Maureen will be remembered for her vivacity, compassion, and the light she brought to all who knew her.
Maureen is lovingly survived by her sister and best friend, Lynda McMaster-Schuyler, who was also her devoted caretaker; her brother-in-law, John Kohn, with whom she shared many fun outings and good times; her beloved nephew, Brady Schuyler, who was a constant source of care and support; and her cherished niece and nephew, Madison Schuyler and Jesse Mac Schuyler, the true lights of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gloria and Floyd McMaster, and her nephew, Jesse Clayton Schuyler.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gathering Place, 127 Kenyon Road, Cobleskill, NY 12043. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home. A service was held in Florida on Monday, March 17 and a Celebration of Life and burial is scheduled at The Gathering Place in Cobleskill from 12:30pm-2:30pm on May 2, 2025, a date that would have marked her 65th birthday.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many loving individuals at The Gathering Place, RSS, and especially to Lori, her recent friend, whose kindness and care brought Maureen great happiness.