Maureen Anne Engel, 70, of Sandy Hook passed away peacefully on June 26. A devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, Maureen will be remembered for her compassion, warmth, and loving care.

Known affectionately as Moe and Momo, Maureen was born on December 7, 1954 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Eugene and Jane Robinson. She grew up in Bay Ridge, where her family home—fondly dubbed “Club 461”—was a lively hub filled with laughter and community. Maureen attended Fairfield University, where she met her husband, Rich. After graduating with a B.S. in Nursing in 1976, Maureen and Rich went on to share a beautiful marriage of over 45 years, raising their three children in Newtown, where they built a loving home.

Maureen began her 40-year nursing career in oncology, caring for patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan, Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. After settling in Newtown in 1985, she transitioned to family medicine and spent most of her career at Newtown Family Health Care, first as an R.N. and later as an A.P.R.N. She earned her M.S. in Nursing from Western Connecticut State University while working full time—an inspiring testament to her intelligence and dedication. Maureen was the go-to nurse for friends, family, and neighbors, always happy to provide guidance, comfort, and the occasional house call. Caretaking was truly her calling and nothing made her happier than helping others.

Maureen had a gift for connection. She radiated warmth, empathy, patience, and genuine care for everyone she met. She often joked that her face said, “tell me everything.” If she went into a store to run a quick errand, she left with someone’s life story. She saw the best in everyone, a quality she inherited from her mother, and listened in a way that made you feel like you were the only person in the room. Her three kids called her almost every day, seeking her gentle wisdom on everything from personal struggles to parenting.

Maureen was happiest surrounded by her loved ones, especially her children and dear friends. She reveled in laughter—whether at neighborhood wine nights with her “ya-yas,” on the dance floor at weddings, or holiday celebrations. She loved spending time at the beach and was able to realize her dream of owning a home near the ocean, enjoying treasured memories with her family in Narragansett, RI.

Even as her health declined in recent years due to dementia, Maureen’s bright smile, sense of humor, and heart of gold remained. Not surprisingly, she formed deep bonds with her caregivers, continuing to touch lives with her kindness until the very end.

Maureen was predeceased by her beloved son, Peter Engel. She is survived by her husband, Richard Engel; son Rich (Casey) Engel; daughter Karoline (Jeff) Trepper; and five adored grandchildren: Stella, Emma, Gavin, Maren, and Evan. She also leaves behind her brother Kevin Robinson, her cousin-turned-brother Stephen Capper, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am Wednesday, July 2, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown. Arrangements are being handled by Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider honoring Maureen’s memory with a donation to a charity of your choice.