Mary Ann Anderson

Mary A. (Maureen) Anderson, a long time resident of Rock Tavern, NY passed away October 27, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She fought a courageous battle against cancer; she was a true warrior.

Maureen was the daughter of Michael and Catherine O’Sullivan and was preceded in death by her siblings Joan Lavelle and Brother Neil O’Sullivan. Maureen met her late husband, Buddy, while on vacation in East Durham, NY. They were married in 1960 and moved to Rock Tavern in 1964, where they raised their family. She is survived by her three children: Michael W. Anderson (Jennifer-deceased) of Berkshire, NY ; John C. Anderson ( Maria) of Mountainville , NY ; and, Christine M. O’Neill (Thomas) of Albany, NY. Maureen is also survived by her five grandchildren, whom she adored, Michael, Emily, Julia, Ian and Perri Anderson. She had a special bond with her yellow lab, Toby, who stayed by her side throughout treatment.

Maureen retired from Washingtonville Central School District, in 2002, where she was a teacher assistant. She truly enjoyed working with the children and teachers at Taft Elementary School. After retirement, she was able to spend more time with her husband and grandchildren. Maureen spent many days with her grandchildren playing, having her face made up, and just being silly, creating many cherished memories.

Maureen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She spent 45 years traveling to her children’s and grandchildren’s soccer matches and enjoyed every minute watching them play, and yelling at referees; after all this time, we think she finally understood offsides. Maureen also had a busy social life -afternoon tea and shopping (Kohl’s and Homegoods may have to close their doors without her financial support), she went shopping on September 23 and bought 3 pairs of Sketchers! She also enjoyed speaking on the phone with her friends; her children had to call the neighbors to check on her because the line was busy for an hour and a half. Maureen also enjoyed wine night with her neighbors, she often came home later than her children did when they were younger. She loved to garden and always enjoyed having flowers from her garden throughout the house; however Maureen had difficulty identifying poison ivy and would often wake up very itchy. If you couldn’t find her in the house, you would find her in the garden. She had quite the love for all things Irish; lace, music, and Baileys Irish Cream. She also had a love for sweet treats, from cupcakes to lollipops, and would share with everyone who came to the house, or to a game. Her granddaughter knew there would always be ice cream sundaes at her Mimi’s house!

The family would like to thank Dr. Manuel Perry, his nurse, Ann Marie and the wonderful staff at Crystal Run for their warm and loving care over the last 10 years. They always went above and beyond to make Maureen comfortable. The family would also like to thank Sister Anne and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties for their compassion and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties to honor Maureen. A celebration of Maureen’s life will take place on December 14, 2019 at her son’s house. Please contact her children for information