Maureen Ann O’Melia

Maureen Ann O’Melia, age 79, of Montello, WI, passed away at Agrace Hospice in Madison, WI on Sunday, October 4th, 2020.

Maureen was born on January 5,1941 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Sarah (O’Flaherty) O’Melia. She graduated from St. Giles Grade School and Trinity High School in Illinois. Maureen received her Bachelors from Edgewood College in Madison, WI and a Masters in Reading Instruction from Chicago State University. From 1958 to 1968 Maureen was a Sinsinawa Dominican. From 1963 to 1990 Maureen taught grade school in Catholic or Public Schools. Around 1990 Maureen moved to Madison, WI again and became a CNA. Thanks to her friends, Marsha and Steve, she began to live her life-long dream by purchasing two Paso Fino geldings, Stormy and Sueno, who she lovingly cared for through their lifetime. Since 1972, Maureen enjoyed company from various cats. While in Montello, with horses and cats, Maureen volunteered at various places including Marquette County Historical Society, Montello Historic Preservation Society, Little Orphans Animal Rescue, Trinity United Methodist Church, and the Columbia County Humane Society.

Maureen leaves behind her brother Reverend Edward O’Melia, her brother-in-law Jim Smith (Geri), nieces Heather and Elizabeth (Kelly), nephews Michael (Jenny) and Christopher (Judith), grandnieces Kai and Bella and grandnephews Lincoln, Gavin, Liam, Kyodai and Kemo. She also leaves behind her cousin Kevin O’Melia and his family, dear friends: Jan and Colleen Mink, and Aaron Wacholz who have helped out on the farm, Rose Ellen Geiger, Lori and Rob Parker, Kathleen Ludden and others from book club, Elsa and Margi, Tracey, Cheri, Dawn, and others. She was preceded in death by her parents, aunts, uncles, cousin Harry O’Melia and beloved sister Geri Smith (James).

All arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elizabeth Smith, 1819 E. Wood Place, Shorewood, WI 53211, for donation to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. 

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.