Maureen Orrell

Maureen (Burke) Orrell, 67, of Storrs, beloved wife to Stephen C. Orrell passed away on Sunday evening (October 30, 2005) after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was born Mary Agnes Burke on 2, January 1938 in Tonegurrane, Corrandulla, County Galway, Ireland. Maureen was one of seven children borne to the late Patrick and Ellen Burke. She decided at a young age to immigrate to the United States and in 1957 left Ireland. After arriving in the U.S. she lived in Northborough, MA. For a number of years where she met her husband. They were married on 27 August, 1966. The two enjoyed a loving marriage lasting 39 years. Born to them were two children; Maura and Ellen. For many years she was a stay-at-home mother. Maureen began working for the University of Connecticut in 1975 where she was employed for 26 years. Throughout her career she worked in a variety of administrative positions; at the Student Union, the Northeastern Research Center for Wildlife Diseases in the Department of Pathobiology, Edwin O. Smith High School and finally at the Bursar s Office. After retiring she volunteered at the Mansfield Senior Center. She was a member of the Irish American Home Society in Glastonbury and the Irish American Club in Willimantic. Her passion was sewing and while she was undergoing cancer treatments she spent her time making quilts for others. Throughout her life Maureen was known for her generous and loving nature, her integrity and her faith. Besides her husband, Maureen leaves behind her daughters, Maura Orrell-Charles of White River Junction, VT, and Ellen Bidlack of Dighton, MA. She also leaves four brothers, Edward Burke, Joseph Burke, Garleth Burke, all of Ireland, Thomas Burke, of England and her sister Nancy Cloherty of Ireland, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Gerry Burke. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Thursday between 6:00pm and 8:00pm. The funeral will be held Friday, November 4 at 10am, at St. Thomas Aquinas, 46 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs. Burial will be in the Mansfield Center Cemetery. Please visit www.potterfh.com for directions and online memorial guestbook.