Maura Vaughan (Nee), 87, of Southbury, CT, formerly of Rockaway Beach N.Y., passed away at home on December 8th, after a 9-year battle with Alzheimer's.  Her children were at her side.

Maura was born in Co. Galway, Ireland in 1938, to parents Patrick and Margaret Nee.  She grew up in the beautiful Connemara area of rural Ballyconneely, in the West of Ireland.  Upon finishing her schooling in 1955, she emigrated to N.Y., joining friends and family before her.  She settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. and worked many jobs to support herself and send money home to her parents.  One of her first jobs was caring for the young children of a doctor and his wife.  Each week after she received her pay, she would go shopping and put together a package to send home.  It might be a new sweater for someone at home, or a pair of shoes or new curtains for a window.  Over a cup of tea, she would show her purchases to the family she cared for.  One day they asked her, "but what did you buy for yourself?"  that was Maura, from humble beginnings, always thinking and giving to others.  She met the love of her life, Dan Vaughan also from Co. Galway, Ireland and they married in October 1958.  They had three children, living in Brooklyn during the early years.  Together they worked hard, side by side, and eventually bought their forever home in Rockaway Beach, N.Y.  They continued to raise their family and shared a beautiful life together.  Their home was always an open door to everyone.  Throughout the years, family and friends were welcomed.  Sometimes for a cup of Irish tea, sometimes for an extended stay.  It didn't matter; the door was always open.  Maura and Daniel enjoyed planting their gardens, walks on the boardwalk, meeting and chatting with neighbors and could always be seen sitting on their front porch together, doing their puzzle books.  In the background, there was always an Irish tune playing.  Together they enjoyed going home to Ireland each summer for several weeks at a time.  They were happy and felt so blessed in the life they created together.  Sadly, after 52 years of marriage, Dan passed away after a brief battle with ALS.

Maura lived her life with genuine love and compassion for others.  She was always giving, helping, supporting and caring.  Maura dedicated countless hours of her time crocheting gifts for family members, with love in every stitch. She never failed to give someone the benefit of the doubt and would always find a reason to believe in something good about a person.  Maura's greatest happiness came in raising her children.  She was the Mom that never failed to be there.  Whether it was a big moment or small, she was there every step of the way.  She loved to tell old stories and have a good laugh.

Her joy was multiplied over the years when her six grandchildren came along.  She loved nothing more than seeing them come through her door, often spending weekends at Nana and Papa's house and even more time in the summers.  And there was nothing more exciting for the grandchildren than coming to be spoiled by Nana.  Her love was endless and she treasured watching them grow.  She never missed a special occasion.  Birthdays, Holidays, Sacraments – she was there for it all.  She felt so blessed and was proud of each grandchild.  Maura gave so much in life, to so many, never expecting anything in return.  All she ever wanted to do was help people, and shed did, throughout her life, going back as far as here early years sending care packages home to Ireland.  She was a giver, and the greatest gift she gave was her love.

Maura is survived by her children, Geraldine, Mary Sullivan (Patrick), Danny Vaughan (Christina), as well as her beloved grandchildren Patrick, Brendan, Briannna, Kate, Sarah and Maeve.  She is also survived by her sister Nancy Hegarty of Killarney, Co. Kerry, as well as many nieces and nephews both here in the states as well as in Ireland.  Besides her husband, Maura was pre-deceased by her beloved parents Patrick and Margaret and her brother, John Nee of Galway, Ireland.

Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the home hospice team of Accent Care.  Their support over the last couple of years was second to none.

A very special recognition goes out to Maura's two outstanding supporters, Fabiola and Claudia.  They began the Alzheimer's journey with Maura and were by her side for the last few years.  Along with her daughters, these two special angels made it possible to care for Maura at home.  They became part of the family, not only caring for Maura, but sharing their lives with her family.  They were, by far, the biggest support system during stressful times.  They never failed to be there.  Committed, dedicated and loving.  The journey would never have been possible without them.  The family is so grateful for all they have done over the years.  They were irreplaceable and they are loved.

Family and friends may gather on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main St. N. Southbury, CT.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday December 15, 2025, at 11:00am in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 910 Main Street S. Southbury, CT, followed immediately by burial in Resurrection Cemetery in Newtown. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

Alzheimer's Association Connecticut
200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington CT 06489
Web: https://www.alz.org/ct/