Maureen Rickard

In Loving Memory, Maureen Oakes Rickard

Maureen Oakes Rickard, 77, passed away on November 26, 2025, from Alzheimer’s.  A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Maureen touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and friendship. She lived the Jesuit call to be a “woman for others,” and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Born on October 10, 1948, in Manhasset, NY, Maureen grew up in Munsey Park with her parents and four siblings, who instilled in her a deep love for her Irish heritage and Catholic faith. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1966 and later earned degrees from Marymount University and St. John’s University. Her professional life included work in accounting, public relations, event planning, and fundraising, most notably for St. Francis Hospital on Long Island.

In 1978, Maureen married the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) Rickard. Their 47-year marriage was marked by love, partnership, affection, and an unwavering commitment to each other and the sacrament of marriage. Together, they served as Pre-Cana catechists for many years, guiding and inspiring hundreds of couples.

Maureen was a devoted mother, a patient listener, relentless optimist, and giver of gentle wisdom and advice - always without judgment. Her go-to mantras were to “think about how the other person feels,” “offer it up,” and remember that “everyone is doing their best given their gifts and talents.”

Service was central to Maureen’s life. In every community her family called home, she lived her motto: “bloom where you are planted.” She gave generously of her time and talents, ensuring others felt included and cared for.

One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother. Maureen adored her five grandchildren, to whom she was a constant source of unconditional love.

Maureen is survived by her husband, Joseph; her daughters, Margaret Rickard Rubinacci and her husband, Scott, and their children, Abigail and Alexander; Kate Rickard Williams and her husband, David, and their children, Andrew, Ryan, and Jack; and her siblings, Gus (Joan) Oakes, Gerry (Bernadette) Oakes, Pat (Greg) Renner, and Donny Oakes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gift of Life International, Inc. PO Box 650436, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. https://giftoflifeinternational.org

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