Maureen Frances Walker

Maureen Frances (Leonard) Walker, of Hanover, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2025. She was 81 years old. Born and raised in South Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late John J. Leonard and the late Anne T. (Foley) Leonard, proud first generation Irish-Americans. She, her three sisters, and their baby brother shared a very close bond.
After graduating from Gate of Heaven High School in 1961, she attended Boston State and received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in the Spring of 1965. While in college, she met her future husband, the late Ronald J. Walker. The young couple married in the Summer of 1966, moved to Hanover, and had four children.
As a Boston Public School educator, she touched the lives of thousands of students. Her dedication, commendable commitment, and progressive pedagogy empowered generations of children to achieve their personal goals. Maureen believed whole-heartedly in the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. While working full time, raising her children and caring for her terminally ill husband, she was able to earn a Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Maureen had an unwavering moral compass and advocated for numerous social causes. She volunteered in the community and served as a member of the Hanover Democratic Town Committee. Maureen zealously supported local nonprofit groups and initiatives, seeking to elevate the causes closest to her heart-especially those involving her children, education, civil rights, medical research, and faith. Loved and admired, Maureen is celebrated not only for her wisdom and strength but also for her kindness, boldness, humility, and unwavering loyalty.
Maureen was a creative spirit whose artistic talents were known only to few. Many sought her advice and guidance and she inspired all with her dry Irish wit and extraordinary sense of selflessness and grace. A quiet yet fierce spirit, Maureen was inevitably one of the most intelligent and brilliant people in the room. She never sought the spotlight, preferring to support and uplift all who knew her. Her presence was powerful and her impact on others was profound.
Maureen is survived by four children: her eldest Lawrence Walker; devoted daughter Carolyn Brangan and husband Patrick Brangan; loving daughter Juliann Walker and husband Nathan Blew; beloved son Matthew Walker and his partner Rachel Ross. She was the adored Nana to Cavan and Aevlyn Brangan, Braeden Blew, and Rosslyn and Matilyn Walker. Maureen was also the cherished sister of Anne Marie (Leonard) and the late Charles McWilliams, Barbara (Leonard) and Dan Shea, Joanne (Leonard) and Steve Diamond, and the late Jack Leonard. She will forever and fondly be remembered by nephews, niece, her extended family and friends.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 31st at Our Lady of Angel- St Mary's, 392 Hanover St, Rte 139 in Hanover at 9:00A.M. and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Norwell Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, 120 Longwater Dr., Norwell, MA 02061.
"May those who love us, love us, and those who don't love us, may God turn their hearts; and if He can't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles so we'll know them by their limping."
– Irish Proverb