Maureen started her ALZ journey at 69. Throughout it all, she was kind, caring and funny. On June 9, 2023, Maureen passed away peacefully with her children and granddog by her side. Early that morning, Maureen ended her struggle with Alzheimer’s and was delivered to heaven to be reunited with the love of her life. 

Maureen showed those who loved her the true meaning of unconditional love, patience, and kindness. She was a 2nd grade school teacher for over 35 years at Our Lady of Victory school in State College. When she moved to personal care, she used to read to other residents. The nurses would joke that if you couldn’t find a resident, they were probably in Maureen’s room listening to her read. 

Maureen also comforted other residents as they were dying. There was one resident who was deaf and very scared as he was dying; no one could comfort him. Maureen came into his room, sat by his bed, held his hand and stroked his cheek and calmed him down. 

While Maureen showed amazing grace throughout her ALZ journey, it was a very challenging one. When a loved one is first diagnosed, it take a lot of effort to pull together the resources you need to make the best possible decisions. She spend over $950,000 on her care. 

We walk not just to honor Maureen and the thousands of others who have lived with Alzheimer’s, but to raise awareness, advocate for policies that support individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and to raise funds for much needed research on new therapies so we can all see the first person to survive from this horrible disease. 

In 2021, we had perfect weather for the walk. We raised more than $1,700! In 2022, we raised over $1,500. I gave mom her flowers after each walk, and she loved them.

Please join Team MamaSwanson or start your own!