Maureen Riordan Mann, of Deerfield, New Hampshire, a beloved Sister, Aunt, Sister-in-Law, Teacher, and Friend, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2023, at age 79.
Born in Middletown, Connecticut, Maureen was one of five children born to William J. Riordan, Sr., and Mary Prunier Riordan. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Robert (Bob) Mann, and by her brothers Timothy P. Riordan and Joseph P. Riordan. She is survived by her brothers, Richard R. Riordan of Pinehurst, North Carolina and William J. Riordan, Jr. of Chester, Connecticut, as well as by nieces and nephews spread throughout the country.
As a child Maureen was described as “always having a book in her hand,” so it was no surprise that when college time came around Maureen majored in education. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown, Connecticut Maureen received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Simmons College in Boston, and then went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College, also in Boston.
Maureen then followed in her mother’s footsteps. She became a teacher and taught history and psychology at Medford High School in Medford, Massachusetts, from which she retired after teaching there for decades. She was committed to helping her students understand that the study of history was not just interesting but was also an essential preparation for fulfilling their responsibilities as citizens in our American democracy.
Maureen was the epitome of fairness and equality and believed that it was a person’s “actions not words” that made a difference. As such, she worked on many campaigns in both Massachusetts while living in Woburn, and then continued in New Hampshire during her time residing in Deerfield. In addition to being an active participant in the everyday affairs of the Deerfield community, she volunteered in support of the political campaigns of various Democratic political candidates and was herself elected as a Democrat State Representative for the State of New Hampshire. Maureen won a special election and two additional full terms to the NH General Court (2008 and 2012) representing Deerfield, Northwood, Nottingham, and Candia.
Continuing to act as she advocated Maureen continued to be active in civic affairs her entire time in Deerfield. She held elected/volunteer positions on the Municipal Budget Committee, as a Library Trustee and on the Cemetery Commission. For years she participated with the Chowderheads, who turned 120 lbs. of fish into fish chowder for the Community Church booth at the Deerfield Fair. In 2006 she was awarded Deerfield’s coveted Sherburne Award for outstanding citizenship.
Additionally, Maureen was the founding force behind “The Forum” on-line newspaper which she created in 2005 to fill the information void in Deerfield and surrounding towns.
Maureen and her husband Bob shared a mutual love of playing tennis, playing bridge, raising Bouvier des Flanders dogs, and staying in touch with family members. Her welcoming, positive and fun-loving attitude, along with her dry sense of humor, and ever accommodating demeanor, made her the adored grande dame of all in her extended family.
SERVICES: Maureen will be missed by all those whose lives were touched by her. A Celebration of Maureen will be held at the Deerfield Town Hall in Deerfield, NH on October 14 for her family and friends. Friends are welcome from 1-8pm.
Knowing Maureen as all who admired her did, please continue to support her “actions not words” motto by contributing daily toward efforts that result in the betterment of us all. To view Maureen’s Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com. Maureen Riordan Mann
Published by InDepthNH.org on Sep. 15, 2023.