Maureen Kammerer

Maureen (Maura) D. Kammerer passed away peacefully March 13, 2016. She was born in Bunnamucka, Ireland, daughter of the late Philomena B. Dufficy and Timothy M. Dufficy, She was predeceased by her loving husband, Harry J. Kammerer, of sixty-seven years. She is survived by her children, H. Dennis Kammerer (wife Martha) of Westchester County, New York, Maureen K. Wittbold, of Seattle, WA, Brian G. Kammerer (wife Glenda) of Rowayton, CT, Gregor G. Kammerer (wife Annie) of Perryville, RI, Brendan S. Kammerer (wife Linda) of Swampscott, MA and Dr. Kieran G. Kammerer (wife Tamara) of Hallowell, ME. She was predeceased by her infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth Kammerer. Her legacy also includes thirteen grandchildren,: Maura W. Shirey, twins Jack and Brian Wittbold, Allison Wittbold, Gabrielle Kammerer, Ashley Stevens, Willa Kammerer, Grey Kammerer,Peter Kammerer, Clio Kammerer, Louisa Kammerer, Hannah Kammerer and Emma Kammerer and two great-grandsons, Will Shirey and Wyatt Stevens. She was also predeceased by her sister ,Kathleen Schaeffer and brother, Timothy Dufficy. Her surviving siblings include Helen DeRoma, Dorothy Finger and Patricia Bill.

As an infant, Maureen sailed from Ireland to the United States. Her Irish charm followed her. She was always the beautiful, dark haired lass, with the green eyes, and the luck of the Irish. Maureen was the oldest child of a large Irish Catholic family and the mother to her siblings, as her parents worked tirelessly to create a home in a new country. Maureen loved roller skating, playing the violin in the high school orchestra and at the Children's Hour radio program in NYC. She attended AB Davis High School in Mount Vernon, New York, graduated from Our Lady of Victory Business School, and modeled for John Roberts Agency in New York City. Her fashion sense, color schemes, lovely, long fingers, and her laugh, the music of bells, only added to her elegance and grace.

Maureen saw Harry across the aisle one Sunday morning at Mass and knew he would be the man she would marry. Not long after, Harry proposed in front of the altar of the Blessed Mother. Their married life was blessed. Maureen had seven children, six of whom are living. How she had yearned for one more little girl who did not survive but half an hour. Mary Elizabeth is with her mother now.

Maureen was also known for her beautiful penmanship and calligraphy. She was an avid reader, knitter, quilter and excelled at Jacobean embroidery. Her greatest pleasure was making quilts and afghans for her children and grandchildren. She always said, “Remember, children, each one was made with love.”

Maureen raised her family in Bronxville,, NY where she lived for over forty years.

Maureen and Harry enjoyed many trips to Cape Cod where they summered with their six children in Wellfleet. Upon her husband's "retirement", they moved to their beautiful waterfront home, "Foggybottom" overlooking the Orlean's Cove. She along with her late husband Harry, were members of the Orlean's Yacht Club. During the 31 years she lived in Orleans, Maureen worked at Cape Cod Bank and Trust for fourteen years and the Orlean's Fire and Rescue Department, finally retiring in August of 2010. She was a member of the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary, the St. Joan of Arc Women's Club, Prayer Shawl Ministry and the Bayberry Quilters.

Maureen was an extraordinary cook and hostess. Upon entering her home, family and guests were greeted with the scent of candles, fresh flowers, sour cream coffee cakes, Kentucky Derby Pie, plan ahead breakfast, and holiday dinners, and her ever present perfume. Waterford dishes brimmed with candy. The refrigerator would be stocked to overflowing. Beds with fresh linens turned down, piles of fresh towels, and individual bars of Dove soap tucked us into bed at night. Fresh squeezed orange juice, fruit cup, and sour cream coffee cake greeted us in the morning. Walking into ‘Foggybottom’ was like walking into a hug.

Given her Irish heritage and culinary talents, St. Patrick's Day held a special place in Maureen's heart. For a week before, she and Harry would bake dozens of loaves of Irish soda bread for her family. The last bite always left us yearning for more.

Faith and family sustained Maureen. She was never without her rosary beads saying one for each of her children and ten for her husband before closing her eyes on the day.

Earth has lost a remarkable woman but one who has left a legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Maureen is in the arms of Harry. She has truly returned home.

Visiting hours will be at Nickerson’s Funeral Home, Orleans, MA from 4-6 PM, Thursday, March 17th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Friday morning, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Orleans, MA with a graveside service to follow at the Orlean’s Cemetery, Tonset, Rd. A reception will follow, details to be announced following the service. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com