Memorial services are today (Thursday, Jan. 6) for Maureen “Mo” Cleary, a former alumni director at UNMC. Cleary died Dec. 29 at her home in Estes Park, Colo., of complications from breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 2002. She was 53.
Services begin at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church on the Creighton campus, where Cleary graduated with a degree in journalism.
“Maureen was one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” said Tom O’Connor, senior associate director of UNMC Public Affairs. “She was a well respected, true professional who touched a lot of people at the medical center. She will truly be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Cleary spent nearly 10 years (1989-99) at UNMC, serving first as building projects coordinator in UNMC’s public affairs department and later as director of alumni affairs. The Clearys moved to Estes Park in 1999, where she most recently served as assistant director of St. Malo Retreat Center.
The St. Paul, Neb., native is survived by her husband, Jim, a former Omaha City Councilman and city parks and recreation director; daughters, Katie Bencken of Austin, Texas, and Colleen Mulready of Philadelphia; a granddaughter, Maureen Mulready; a brother, Mike Shaughnessy of St. Paul, Neb.; and sisters Rose Ann Kehoe of Bellingham, Wash., and Teri Shaughnessy of Santa Rosa, Calif.