Springfield — According to MassLive’s obituaries page, Holyoke-native Maureen Patricia (Conway) Neal died on March 19 at Springfield’s Baystate Medical Center. She was 74 years old. Her funeral was held in Springfield on March 28 at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, with Catholic Masses at Sacred Heart Church and Saint Michael Cemetery, where she was buried.
Maureen Neal was married to U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal (D – Springfield) and was the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Murphy) Conway.
A graduate of Holyoke High School and the University of Massachusetts, she assisted in witness preparation for former Hampden County District Attorney Matthew Ryan before becoming a teacher at St. Joseph’s and Our Lady of Hope grammar schools, the post states. Her later endeavors include working for former boxer and Massachusetts state auditor A. Joseph DeNucci and Springfield’s retired Parks Director Patrick Sullivan.
A mother of four children, Maureen Neal “was socially graceful, modest, always kind and stunningly beautiful,” the obituary states, adding that she was also very well read and considered homework to be a priority. “Maureen never missed her children’s games, recitals or school pageants and enjoyed the excitement of a good and successful campaign. For sports injuries, she was always the caring and capable nurse. Birthday parties for her children were a must and large family Christmas gatherings were always something to look forward to.”
The post states that Maureen Neal was proud of her Holyoke homeplace and her Irish heritage, with relatives in County Mayo. She was a 50-year congregant of Sacred Heart Parish in Springfield.
“A glass of good wine and the simplicity of Cape Cod and Kennebunk Beach walks were favored relaxations,” Maureen Neal’s obituary provides.
Later in life, she spent time in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia suburbs with family that now include grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Maureen Neal leaves four children, Rory (Stacy), Brendan, Maura Fitzpatrick (Ryan), and Sean (Kara); 10 grandchildren, Grant, Zoe, Walter, Róisín, Desmond, Nieve, Brendan, Giuliana, Mackenzie, and Averie; two sisters, Kathy (Dan) Owens and Barbara Conway; two brothers, John (Kathy) Conway and Tom Conway; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts.
Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104, or to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. More details and family condolence messages can found at the website of St. Pierre Phaneuf Funeral Chapels.
Rep. Neal’s office responded to The Berkshire Edge that it is referring all press inquiries to the MassLive obituary post.
