Maureen was born in Framingham, MA on October 10th, 1969 to the proud parents of Rachael and John Duffey of Hudson, Massachusetts. She was the 3rd child in a family of two boys and two girls. In high school she lettered in gymnastics, track, soccer, and cheerleading and graduated from Hudson High School in 1987. She went on to Springfield College to become captain of the Gymnastics Team. She competed at a national level and received many athletic accolades at college, as well as being on the Dean’s list as a business major.

She married Mike Russo, her highschool sweetheart, in 1993 and had two beautiful children, Gabrielle and Domenic. Mike and Maureen were happily and lovingly together for 20 years. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2003 and was treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In remission for almost 3 years, the cancer returned in 2006. The aggressive form of cervical cancer took its toll on Maureen. Despite her endurance and courageous battle for 6 months, she lost her battle to cancer on December 15th, 2006 at the age of 37.

All through battling cancer twice, Maureen never complained and in fact was more concerned for others than herself. She loved life, and lived it to its fullest (as evidenced by the fact that she had taken her kids to Disney 5 times in 5 years). She adored her children and was dedicated to all her family members and friends. She had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor as well as the warmest and most giving heart. Maureen displayed courage, perseverance, enthusiasm, dedication, determination, and leadership each day of her all too short life. The quote she selected for her head stone reflected how she lived life.