Maureen Golden Kenney

Maureen was born on August 30, 1959 in Santa Ana, California to Joseph and Margaret Golden. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Kenney, her children, Erinn, Timothy and Julia Kenney, and her loving siblings Michael (Lorna), Chris, and Dennis (Jamie), and Sheila Golden. In passing, Maureen joins her parents and her brother Keith Golden.

Maureen’s youth was shaped by being the middle child of a Catholic, military family. Her father’s career in the United States Marines sent the family from Santa Ana to Long Island to Beaufort to Jacksonville and even Hawaii before settling back in Orange County, CA. From coast to coast, she developed a lifelong love of travel and beaches.

Endlessly outgoing, Maureen made close friends at the many schools she attended. At Foothill High School in Tustin, CA, she worked hard in class and was voted “Most likely to be elected U.S President”. Later, never having seen the State of Massachusetts, Maureen applied to and ultimately attended Mount Holyoke College where she found her place in a community of strong, creative women. She fondly held memories of dancing across dormitories in Lanz nightgowns, sledding after late night studying, and listening to showtunes at MHC. Maureen proudly rounded her education by earning an MBA at Stanford University.

Following college graduation, Maureen met Chris. Both were banking interns at Manufacturers Hanover Corp. in New York. On his first day, Maureen sat next to Chris’ desk and told him, “Don’t worry, you are not the only new person here. Most of us just started.” Chris was drawn to Maureen’s positivity and compassion for others. They celebrated their wedding on June 20th, 1986 and made Evanston, Illinois, their home for 36 years.

Maureen never met a project she didn’t pursue with passion and determination. She worked at Kraft Corporation for 6 years, becoming a Manager of New Product Development. Maureen also held several nonprofit leadership positions, where she helped advance Covenant Nursery School, Baker Demonstration School, and Connections for the Homeless. She worked for more than 12 years and ultimately held the role of Board Chair at the YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Her commitment to support women in need, collaborate alongside community leaders and advocate for gender equity beamed through in her work and throughout her life.

Maureen was an amazing mom. In her children, she instilled compassion, generosity, and a commitment to community. She taught them how to write, to love musicals, dance their hearts out and to care for animals near and far. Alongside Chris, she made celebrations magical and showed up for her kids at every opportunity. Maureen’s family and community are forever grateful for the impact she had on them, and the part they played in bringing her joy. They will carry her memory with them forever.

Friends and family will gather for a memorial service that will be held on June 24th at 10AM at St. Athanasius Parish in Evanston, Illinois. A reception will follow at Ten Mile House, 1700 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. If you plan to attend the reception, please R.S.V.P. here: https://forms.gle/ZWuxi98UNXi1Dz1i6

More information on Maureen’s story and strong network can be found on CaringBridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to YWCA Evanston/North Shore.