Maureen Hammel of Lenox, 84, followed her husband of 55 years into heaven on January 22, 2024 after a brief illness. Born "Maureen Mulligan" in Albany in 1939, Maureen was a Lenox resident for over 50 years. She was raised with her siblings by parents John and Anne in East Chatham and Canaan New York. Maureen was a beloved teacher to thousands of students, with most of her career teaching second grade and kindergarten at the Housatonic Elementary School and Bryant Elementary School. Noted for her compassion and patience, Maureen set high standards for her students as the salutatorian of the Chatham High School class of 1957 and the College of St. Rose class of 1961. Maureen was a person of faith as a member of St. Ann's parish, and part of the parish "prayer line". Maureen was passionate about books, a patron of the Lenox Library, and manager of the library's book donation program and the program's annual book sale. At home, Maureen practiced baking skills perfected as a childhood member of the 4H "Merry Marigolds"; her "Meringue Torte" was awarded a blue ribbon at the 1956 New York State Fair. Maureen was preceded in death (by five days) by the love of her life and husband of 55 years, Lee and by her sister and best friend, Julianne Melle. Maureen is survived by her brother John and his wife Patricia (Averill Park, NY), her brother Brian and his wife Marissa (Virginia Beach, VA), her daughter Adrienne (Towson, MD), her son Ian and daughter in law Christine (Wellesley, MA), her grandchildren Caroline, Maria, Lillian, William, John and Andrew, 2 nieces, 4 nephews, their spouses, and by extended family, friends, and students and colleagues. Informal calling hours are Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 3 – 5 P.M. at the St. Ann's Church Parish Center, 134 Main St., Lenox. Funeral services will be held Monday January 29, 2024 at 10 A.M. at St. Ann's Church, 134 Main Street, Lenox, followed by burial at the Mountain View Cemetery on Housatonic St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maureen's memory to the Lenox Library Association in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.

Lenox Library
C/O Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee MA 01238