Obituary of Maureen Ann Cahill

Maureen Ann Cahill, 88, of Fishkill, NY and formerly of Delmar, NY died on Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Born on December 12, 1935 in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Viola Magee.  She attended and graduated from Cathedral Academy, Albany, NY in 1953 and attended Hudson Valley Community College.  She was known in High School as a “talented roller skater who often patronized Hoffmans.”

Maureen was a lifelong resident of the Capital District until 2019 when she moved closer to her son and family in Fishkill, New York. Maureen grew up in Colonie, NY and later moved to the Delmar area where she resided for over fifty years raising her son, Patrick.

Maureen worked for and retired from the New York State Lobbying Commission as a senior auditor. She worked in various positions in New York State Government including as an administrative assistant in Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller’s administration.

She was a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle parish for five decades, who often volunteered as a lector and Eucharistic minister for the parish.  Maureen was an active volunteer with the Franciscan Chapel in Colonie, working as the Director of Lectors and Eucharistic ministers for many years.  

Maureen’s warmth and easy-going nature made her an easy and natural caregiver, she was a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home and would often drive elderly (more elderly than herself) friends to mass on Sundays. Her resilient spirit and naturally optimistic outlook were a comfort and inspiration to those around her.

Maureen was also an active member and volunteer for the Singles Outreach Network of the Capital District. She served on the Board of Directors and worked as the Board Secretary.  Maureen enjoyed, most of the time, preparing the group’s monthly newsletter and organizing educational and social activities for the group.

In addition to her volunteer work, Maureen enjoyed reading, especially non-fiction books and articles related to philosophy and spirituality.  She enjoyed ice skating and cross-country skiing and vigorous walking or hiking, and she occasionally enjoyed a glass of good (dry!) red wine. 

One of her favorite past times later in life, was spending time with her three grandchildren, Caroline, Catherine and Patrick John who lovingly called her Grammy yellow hair.  Maureen enjoyed regularly traveling from Delmar to Fishkill to watch the grandchildren and help her family. Nothing gave her greater pleasure than visiting her son and his family and meeting the grandchildren as they got off the school bus.

Maureen was also proud and vocal about her Irish heritage and the legacy of the Irish in Amerca.  Saint Patrick’s Day was an important occasion to remember and celebrate the family’s Irish heritage.

Maureen’s outlook on life was “you have to roll with the punches but always see the glass as half full.” 

She is survived by her son, Patrick F. Cahill Jr. (Kristin) of Fishkill, NY; grandchildren, Caroline, Catherine and Patrick John Cahill; siblings, Geraldine Magee of Cohoes, NY and Stephen Magee (Donna) of Slingerlands, NY; and nieces, Stephanie Muha (Jeff) of Delmar, NY and Shannon Magee (Keagan) of Guilderland, NY.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Patrick Cahill and brother, Peter Magee.

The family thanks the staff at the Taconic Rehabilitation and Nursing at Hopewell for their excellent care.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 9 to 10:30 am at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 am Monday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Pl, Delmar.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.