Maureen Cyril O'Carroll

Maureen O'Carroll Obituary

Maureen Cyril O'Carroll

Maureen Cyril O'Carroll, a talented 'cellist, devoted mother and grandmother and remarkable woman, passed away August 11, 2012 in Hobart, Tasmania after an extended illness. Her talent and dedication to music launched her from a depression era childhood in Sydney, Australia to an extraordinary musical journey around the world.

Born September 3, 1932 in Balmain - a working class area of Sydney - to Irish immigrant parents, Maureen was one of ten children who all showed a gift for music. Her parents, John and May O'Carroll saw music as the unlikely path out of poverty for their large family. Maureen attended the NSW Conservatorium of Music High School and at age seventeen, took a position in the New Zealand National Orchestra in Auckland. From New Zealand, she travelled to the United States and performed in New York City with various artists including Frank Sinatra, in various orchestras such as the Radio City Music Hall and toured with the Boston Pops Orchestra. In 1957, she auditioned and given a contract to play with the New Orleans Philharmonic where she met and later married, principal 'cellist Barton Frank. They moved to Washington State and in 1970, Maureen moved to Seattle with her children where she was on staff as cello professor at Cornish School of music and continued performing as a recording artist, soloist, and a member of various chamber orchestras in addition to time with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Her stellar reputation grew quickly and she made many dear, lifelong friends. In 1974, she returned to her homeland of Australia as a single mother with three children. She auditioned for the Sydney Symphony where she accepted the position at third chair in the cello section.

Maureen was not fond of winter weather and spent her summers in the appropriate hemisphere for the weather. Her love of travel took her around the world multiple times as she greatly enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Maureen will be remembered for her generosity, compassion, wit and as an extraordinary and loving mother and great friend. She is survived by her children Marcus, Adrienne, Leora and Eamon and by her grandchildren, Paige, Shanley, Lawson, Flynn and Elysia.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Maureen O'Carroll

6 Entries

Jeanelle Shields

September 30, 2020

You are so dearly missed.

October 16, 2012

Maureen was so talented, so full of life, with a wonderful sense of humor. I can hear her telling me to quit the sugar coating and tell it like it is. That was Maureen. I will never forget our times in OZ and the US.. She was a delight to travel with... My prayers for the family. Farewell, my friend. Curt Hagan

Jeanelle Shields

October 10, 2012

My beloved friend.
How can a few paragraphs begin to capture your spirit, wicked humor, wanderlust, vast experience and sense of adventure? You are the most fascinating and gifted person I've ever none. Your life story would make a terrific movie. Our times together in Oz are some of my most cherished memories. You're still my traveling partner in spirit.
Together forever,
Ellen and Velma

Condolences to family who she loved dearly, the best she knew how. How blessed you are to have had the experiences your mother gave you. May her music live on through you.

Sue Gregory (Davis)

October 10, 2012

My sympathy to you all.

I remember your mother fondly. We had lunch together only once but we shared with each other concerns in our lives that only might be shared with a trusted friend. Those few moments are permanently in my memory. I wish I could have said good-bye. Thank-you for telling some of her story in The Seattle Times.

Sue Gregory (Davis)
Former member Seattle Symphony

Rosalie Romano

October 7, 2012

Maureen was my cherished friend for many decades, sharing love of life, and music and food, and, above all, family and friends. Her indomitable spirit is unforgettable, and her stories of not suffering fools brings a smile as I write this. Passionate and caring, she fiercely loved her children and grandchildren. Her innate good taste whether in music or cuisine or design revealed her depth of sensibility. I loved Maureen and feel blessed she was my dear friend. My heart is heavy with her passing.