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Light a Candle
With sadness and gratitude for a life rooted in family, faith, and friendship, we remember Maureen Mary “Renee” O’Kane, who passed on July 26, 2026, at Hackensack Hospital in Hackensack, New Jersey, at the age of 84. Maureen was born on October 28, 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey, and raised in Edgewater, a Hudson River town that shaped her early life and many of her friendships and memories. She graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in 1960. Maureen lived much of her adult life in Edgewater and Emerson, New Jersey. She devoted many years to the United States Post Office and retired as Postmaster of the Alpine branch, a role that reflected her dedication, reliability, and strong sense of community. After retiring, Maureen made her home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, before returning in her final months to Emerson, New Jersey, close to the people and places she loved. During that time, her nephew Michael O’Kane was a constant and caring presence, offering companionship and the steady comfort of family. Maureen was predeceased by her parents, Francis and Catherine O’Kane; her brothers, Francis, Hugh, and William O’Kane; her lifelong friend, June Dayock; and her longtime companion, Don Hale. She is survived by her devoted sister and best friend, Theresa “Sis,” “Sissy,” and “Terry” Shaw; her brother, Edward “Eddie Boy” O’Kane; Tricia Lougal, whom she loved as a daughter; and many loving family members and friends. Maureen’s Catholic faith guided her life. She believed in kindness, generosity, and quiet service, helping others without seeking recognition and offering loyalty, encouragement, and a listening ear whenever they were needed. Her love of sports began early and stayed with her throughout her life. Maureen especially enjoyed racquetball, tennis, and cycling, and remained a steadfast New York Yankees fan, carrying on a proud O’Kane family tradition. Maureen held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews and shared a particularly close bond with her nephews in Ridgefield, New Jersey. She taught them to ride bicycles, took them to the racquetball club, helped teach them to drive, and cherished family gatherings, especially Christmas morning breakfasts at her brother Hugh’s home. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Maureen’s life at a Memorial Mass on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 365 Undercliff Avenue, Edgewater, New Jersey.
