Maureen C. (Shea) Greichen of Newport passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, Jack Greichen, and her family. She and Jack would have celebrated 72 years of marriage on February 22nd.
Born in Newport on March 10, 1931, Maureen was the eldest child of the late Daniel and Mary (Teahan) Shea. A 1949 graduate of St. Catherine’s Academy, where she met Jack, a handsome De La Salle student. They dated for five years before marrying in 1954.
Prior to her marriage, Maureen worked as an operator for the New England Telephone Company. She was a dedicated and loving stay-at-home mother before returning to the workforce in 1976. She eventually retired as the Personnel Supervisor for J.C. Penney in 1996. In retirement, she cherished her time as “Nana” to the students and teachers at her daughter’s preschool.
Maureen was the proud and loving mother of Maureen Greichen, John Greichen (Pat), Suzanne Clark (Steve), and Sheila Beard (Jeff). She adored being an Irish Nana to Katherine Kielbasa (Jenn), Julie Rose (Evan), Tara Kaine (Jon), and Laura Greichen. She blessed with five great-grandchildren: Landon, Caroline, and Margaux Rose, and Rylee and Edwin Kaine.
She spent many happy years attending her grandchildren’s school activities, graduations, and sporting events. An active member of her community, Maureen volunteered at Lucy’s Hearth, Newport Hospital, St. Augustin’s Church, and the Hospital Auxiliary, and was a former member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Maureen was preceded in death by her sister, Catherine McNally; her son-in-law, Larry Feeney; her sister-in-law, Marge Shea; and brother-in-law, Bill McNally.
She is survived by her husband, her children, her brother Dan Shea, her sister Helen McGowan Gardner, and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the women who provided such responsible and compassionate care for Maureen at her Fifth Ward home: Katie Riegel, Charlot Brierley, Mia Mataronas, Lenora Barreiro, and Donna Tolppa.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, February 17, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, February 18, at St. Augustin’s Church, corner of Carroll & Harrison Ave, Newport, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Browns Ln, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shea Family Scholarship at Salve Regina University. Please designate contributions in memory of Maureen C. Greichen, c/o Salve Regina University/Shea Family Scholarship, 100 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840.
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