Maureen (Moe) came into this world with a brilliant smile on her face and a playful sparkle in her eye. She radiated this spirit, sharing it with everyone she met throughout her profoundly beautiful and accomplished life.

Her adventure started in Brockton, Massachusetts, with summers spent in Sandwich on Cape Cod with her family. Her intellectual gifts and passion were evident early, as she enthusiastically partook in numerous activities (swimming, flute, majorette, theater, cheerleading), and finished at the top of her Brockton High School class.

She attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., where she earned a BA in English, participated in crew, theater, hockey cheerleading, and forged lifelong, caring, loving friendships. Upon graduation, she pursued a career in consumer product and pharmaceutical sales. Her work and life took her to homes in Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. She met many lifelong friends every step of the way who have been her rock during difficult times and fun-loving accomplices during the many good times.

Moe always said her purpose on Earth was to be a mother to her daughters, Jessica and Lucy. She poured boundless energy into raising them and was enormously proud to be their mother. Later in life, she met and married the love of her life, Jeff, and with his two daughters, Kaitlyn and Ashling, they became part of her family. She equally adored her nieces, who always included “fabulous” in any sentence about Auntie Moe; as well as her many godchildren.

Moe lit up every room she entered. She was the life of the party, making sure everyone felt included and had a great time. Whether she was on stage performing community theater, hosting a local cable show, or giving stand-up comedy a shot, Moe brought people joy wherever she went. She enjoyed golfing, rooting for the New York Giants, gin and tonics at sunset, staying in touch with family and friends, and traveling around the world.

Moe’s motto was simple but powerful: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.” Being her friend meant feeling accepted and celebrated for who you are. She was truly a prism, spreading love wherever she went. Hanging out with Moe was like being caught in a whirlwind of laughter and good times. Her huge personality continues to reside within the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to share in her presence.

In addition to family and friends, her other passion was her faith. For decades she served the Catholic Church as a religious educator and a regular lector at Sunday Mass. Just before her death she journeyed to Lourdes, France on a religious pilgrimage where she deepened her faith, received the sacrament of the sick, blessings of the sacred waters, and realized profound peace.

She fought cancer using her optimism, grace, humor, kindness, and faith. Each chemo infusion had a theme, complete with a dazzling outfit, as well as gifts and treats for the entire cancer center staff who loved and adored her.

She leaves behind her husband Jeff Sugarman, daughters Jessica (Eric Dougherty) and Lucy Remitz (Frank Kenny) and step-daughters Kaitlyn and Ashling Sugarman. She also leaves behind her loving family: parents Joan and Francis Deveney, brothers Edward (Melissa Mazan) and Peter (Richard Golembeski) Deveney, nieces Rae and Chloe Deveney, and many loving, caring friends who became family.

A service will be held for Moe at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown, at 11 am Wednesday, June 12. Colorful clothing is encouraged.