Maureen Ann Polcyn died peacefully in her family home on the morning of July 29, 2026 on what was her 67th birthday. She is survived by her husband Tom, son Tommy, stepmother Carloyn Murphy and siblings Bart (Cecilia) Murphy, Colleen Murphy, Kathleen (Jim) Dominik and Brian Murphy. Maureen was preceded in death by her father and mother –Bart and Peggy Murphy – her uncle— Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy, Aunt Eileen Frey, Uncle Dennis Frey, Aunt Kathleen Holland and Uncle Charles Holland.

She was the loving godmother to many including her nephew Kevin Murphy and niece Maggie Dominik. Maureen was the proud aunt to many nephews and nieces.

Maureen battled early-onset vascular dementia for more than eight years. She fought valiantly to live life to the fullest extent possible throughout this period. A group of extraordinary caregivers walked with Maureen every step of the way. They provided superb care to Maureen on a consistent basis each and every day. Because of their presence, Maureen always knew she would never walk this journey alone. Our family will be forever indebted to Maya, Luda, Marie, Joanna, Olympia, Djon, Emily, Merianne, Mayla, Sheryl, Martha, Dalia, Diane, Sister Roberta and Barb for their many years of dedicated service. They all entered Maureen's home as strangers and depart as members of our extended family. Each in their own immutable way left lasting footprints on our hearts and souls. Most importantly, we are all better human beings for having the benefit of their presence in our lives.

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After graduating from Saint Louise de Marillac High School in Northfield, IL in 1977, Maureen held accounting and customer service positions at a number of companies including Continental Cablevision, Spitfire and The Garvey Group. She also tended bar at several taverns on the Northwest side of Chicago. Overall, Maureen was blessed with that rare combination of intelligence and common sense.

Tom and Maureen married on September 11, 1993 at St. John Brebeuf Church in Niles, IL. It marked the beginning of a truly meaningful partnership that would last for more than 32 years. A little more than three years after their marriage, Maureen gave birth to their son Tommy on September 25, 1996. Tommy's birth changed everything for Tom and Maureen.

Most human beings often ask themselves the question "How will I be remembered?" For Maureen, the answer was straightforward yet powerful. Quite simply—she cared. Maureen devoted her life to family, friends and any strangers in need who were fortunate to cross her path.

How did Maureen care for those she loved? She made it a point to be a visible presence in a meaningful way. Her trademark was to brighten up any room with her brilliant smile and effusively say "Hey baby!" She was always available in times of triumph and even more importantly in dealing with the inevitable challenges life throws our way. Maureen listened, empathized, consoled and when necessary challenged. No matter the cost, she made it a priority to serve others—to care.

It all began at home. Maureen truly loved Tom and Tommy with every fiber of her being and every ounce of her soul. We all are born to do certain things in life. God bestowed upon Maureen a set of gifts that uniquely qualified her to be an extraordinary wife and mother. There was no cost too great for her to bear.

Her parents, Bart and Peggy Murphy, were first generation Americans. All four of their parents – Maureen's grandparents – left Ireland in the early 1900s to come to the United States in search of opportunity and to achieve the American dream. Her mom and dad made it a priority to ensure Maureen and her four siblings were very aware of their Irish heritage. Maureen wore the green with great pride. She and her sisters Colleen and Kathleen took traditional Irish dance lessons for many years. St. Patrick's Day was always a huge annual celebration in the Murphy home. It would be fair and accurate to say that Maureen had an Irish temper—almost always in a good way.

Tom, Tommy, all the members of the Murphy and Polcyn families and all of Maureen's friends have heavy hearts. We lost a dear wife, mother, sister, aunt, godmother and friend. Why do we grieve? Because the one person we could always turn to in situations like this is no longer with us.

Maureen's Uncle Tom was the Archbishop of Seattle at the time of his death. He described the period of time after the loss of a loved one as a grace-filled period where we have the opportunity to "walk the talk." To believe that Maureen now enjoys the Lord's eternal warm embraces after a life well lived. This graced time also offers us the chance to accept the invitation to fervently believe Maureen will now be closer to us in spirt than when she walked among us.

Maureen's physical presence is gone. We will truly miss her brilliant smile, vivacious presence and true love of life. As time moves forward, we can all ask ourselves the question "How can we honor Maureen's life and carry forward her legacy?" The answer is quite elementary. Just care. Make the time to be present to others. To listen. To empathize. To console. To sacrifice. And when necessary—to challenge.

The Prayer of St. Francis beautifully encapsulates Maureen's life. It serves as a roadmap to follow if we dare to accept the challenge to fill the empty shoes Maureen left behind now that she slipped the surly bonds of earth and enjoys her place in heaven.

The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Uncle Pete's Ministry or Misericordia appreciated.