
Obituary of Maureen Darling
November 1, 1937 - January 23, 2025
New Hartford, NY - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Maureen Darling, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her treasured family at the age of 88.
She was raised in Dolgeville by her parents Leland and Vivian (Hollister) Darling, along with her younger brother Barry and younger sister, Janet. Known as Mornie, Moey, Maude, Reenie and other monikers, she was a gold-star sister, aunt, friend, cousin and indelibly, a schoolteacher. She was a unique woman who defied categories and one word descriptions.
She was a wordsmith, a poet, an orchestral musician, a prankster, a fierce feminist, a renegade of educated, thoughtful and deliberate intention. She was beyond generous to her family and strangers alike. Her recollection of details and story telling was notable and lasted to the end. An unwavering quick wit, she kept all those around her both chuckling and on their toes.
She left Dolgeville for Elmira College in 1955, where she formed some of her deepest, most long-lasting friendships. After graduation, she bravely set out to begin her teaching career in Albuquerque where she got her first taste of administrative imbecility. From there, she developed a keen sense of the difference between a sharp, compassionate mind and an empty suit.
Upon her return from New Mexico, she spent decades in the Utica public school system. A relentless advocate for her students and a general pain in the ass for the administration, she left a mark on all who set foot in her classrooms. She wove music, visual arts and literature into all her subjects, providing a depth to learning that made a lasting impact on hundreds of students. She loved them all and continued to tell their stories throughout her retirement years.
She traveled throughout the US and across the pond but seemed to return to the Mohawk Valley, especially Manheim and Newville, as places full of humorous tales and nostalgia.
She surrounded herself with good people: the Scrabble girls, her old teaching pals, travel companions, high-school and college friends, the Connor kids, many cousins, dear neighbors and her small but mighty Darling Clan. In these last years, there were her wonderful caretakers at the Presbyterian Home, who appreciated her humor and enjoyed her sharp wit.
She is survived by her loving brother, Barry Darling and his wife Pati Bonfe; nephew Jesse Darling and his wife Marina and their sons, River and Easton; and her special niece, Lily Darling. She was predeceased by her sister Janet, but is survived by her niece Lucy Pavalock and her partner Carolyn, and her nephew Franz Gonzalez and his wife Danielle.
She is survived by many dear cousins, including Daureen and David Teall, and many Hollisters, Cagwins and their families. (Family reunions will be far less raucous without her.) She is also survived by friends far and wide, including the Connors of Manheim; teaching pals Margaret, Jean, Mary Sue and many more; the Cissi’s; Dolgeville chums Carm and Teedie; Elmira gals Ginny and Linda; and too many more to mention when paying by the word.
Her family is grateful to all who brought joy, laughter and love into her life. Although there will be no calling hours, a small gathering of family and friends will be planned in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to ActBlue.com, the NAACP.org or SmileTrain.org in her memory.
Please send condolences to the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, 42 N. Street, Little Falls, NY 13365 or online at www.chapmanmoser.com.
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