Maureen Rayward (nee Conway) of Bronx, New York, and who for many years was the voice and public persona of the Irish Echo, has died at age 90.
Maureen passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 30 after a short illness. She had retired in recent years from the Echo after working with the paper in a variety of capacities over a span time reaching into five decades.
Said former Irish Echo publisher Claire Grimes: "Maureen found a way to install our affection for her in our hearts.
"She was certainly stalwart, but so much more. Maureen’s cheerful disposition was winning and always a pleasure at the office as we worked around deadlines.
"When there was a job that required assistance, Maureen was there. She could do anything, and so very well, and with her quiet energy.
"Everyone loved this slight woman with the gentle Irish accent. I feel saddened at losing her."
Echo publisher Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: "Maureen was the heart and soul of Irish Echo office, a walking encyclopedia on Irish America, a font of knowledge on not just the history and heritage of the Irish Echo, but also a guardian of its core values.
"Her smile was her calling card to prince and pauper alike once they crossed the door of our office. She was the epitome of what makes us all proud of Irish America, and she will be sadly missed."
Former publisher Seán Finlay said: "I am very saddened to hear the news. What a lovely lady. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam."
Irish Voice Senior Editor Debbie McGoldrick, who worked alongside Maureen in the early days of her career in journalism, said: "Maureen was wonderful. And she loved the Echo very much."
Maureen Rayward was born on May 16, 1931 to William and Mary Conway in Dublin.
She met her future husband, Adrian, in 1960, and they were married in Dublin in 1962. They remained happily married for 58 years until his passing in 2021.
Maureen is predeceased by her parents, her siblings Ernest Conway, Liam Conway, and Eileen Fallon. She is survived by her son Paul, daughter-in-law Maura, grandchildren Paul, Catherine, Elizabeth, and Michael, as well as her sister Kathleen Doyle, and many relatives residing in Ireland.
Maureen's family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, Rockland County, New York.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Aedan’s Church Pearl River, Rockland County. Burial will take place in Maureen's native Dublin.
