Maureen Frances (Joyce) Swanson, age 86, of Concord, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025.
Born in Boston to Thomas and Rose Joyce, Maureen lived a life marked by deep faith, vibrant community involvement, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Maureen began her journey in South Boston as one of nine siblings in the Joyce household. She graduated from Cardinal Cushing High School in 1956. That same year, she entered religious life as a sister of Notre Dame de Namur. After receiving her degree from Emmanuel College, she dedicated herself to education and teaching in numerous Catholic schools across greater Boston. Her years as a teacher reflected her lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds and serving others with compassion and joy.
Later in life, Maureen married John Robert “Bob” Swanson and shared many cherished memories until his passing in 2016. Maureen gained a new family with Bob through his children Robbie and Kathy and son-in-law Rick Flannery, and was very proud of her granddaughters Shelby and Andrea and great-grandson Gunnar.
Maureen was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and remained an active parishioner of St. Bernard’s Church, now Holy Family Parish, in Concord. Her spiritual life extended beyond the pews; she traveled to Haiti as part of her mission-driven service and was always ready to lend a hand or a kind word within her parish community.
Known affectionately as a social butterfly, Maureen brought warmth and energy wherever she went. She delighted in arts and crafts, especially when creating alongside children. Whether singing with a crowd or participating in neighborhood gatherings, she radiated joy and inclusiveness.
Maureen is lovingly remembered by her sister Eileen Hanson of Bourne; brothers Francis Joyce of South Boston and Florida; and Joseph Joyce of Manomet; her stepdaughter Kathy, and son-in-law Rick Flannery of Hill, New Hampshire, her grandchildren Shelby Flannery Thomason (Hunter) and Andrea Flannery (fiancé Alex Sobolov), and great grandson Gunnar Thomason, all of New Hampshire, along with her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Bob, stepson Robbie and brothers John, Thomas, William, Edward, and Richard (“Dukie”). She is also remembered by her Wright Road neighbors, who lovingly took care of her over the years and whom her family is deeply appreciative of.
Family and friends are invited to honor Maureen’s life during a visiting hour from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 16 at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square. Burial will follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Maureen’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with kindness in her heart and faith as her guide. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Maureen’s behalf to Lazarus House Ministries, P.O. Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01841.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or offer a condolence on Maureen’s tribute page, visitDeeFuneralHome.com.
