Maureen Finan Charnitski

          On the evening of January 21, 2023, Maureen Finan Charnitski died in her home with her husband Stephen and daughter Monica at
her side. She fought a long and courageous battle with pulmonary
fibrosis. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 62 years,
Stephen Charnitski, as well as her siblings, Sheila Posatko (Robert),
Monica Miele (David), and Kevin Finan (Cynthia) and brothers’ in-law,
William Charnitski (Marie) and Jan Charnitski (Christina). She is also
survived by her son, Dr. Stephen Charnitski (Theresa), daughters
Elizabeth Bauer (Anton), Monica Calvin (William) and son Christopher
Charnitski (Sharon). Maureen also leaves behind her grandchildren
Danielle, Allison, Zachary, Johanna and Kristopher as well as two
great grandchildren, Mila and Ronin

          Born in Butler, PA, to Monica (Molly) and Francis (Tanny) Finan,
Maureen was blessed with a keen mind, kind heart and irrepressible
curiosity. As siblings came along, her sisters Sheila and Monica, and
her brother, Kevin were the guinea pigs in her chemistry experiments
and death defying adventures. They didn’t need to read stories about
Nancy Drew the teenage super sleuth, living with Maureen was even
more exciting and always an adventure. As the oldest, she nurtured
her siblings in many ways, forming bonds that lasted throughout her
lifetime and which will undoubtedly endure well beyond.

           Maureen married Stephen in 1960 when she was twenty years
old. During those early years she channeled all her creative energy
and generosity into mothering their four children and into her
homemaking. All were welcome at Maureen and Steve’s, and the
house saw many celebrations over the years. Maureen was a
masterful host who always made everyone who entered her home
feel special. Guests were always well fed, made comfortable beyond
expectations and left knowing they were loved and appreciated.

               Maureen was deeply passionate about social justice and civil
rights. She marched for the causes that became emblematic of the
’60’s, standing in Washington DC as Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his
famous “I Have a Dream” speech. She volunteered at voting venues,
contributed to political campaigns and reveled in rousing political
dialogue.

               As her children went on to college, Maureen was able to pursue
her dreams of higher education. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in
education from Neumann University. Not surprisingly, she chose to
teach children with learning differences at The Woodlynde School
where she nurtured and empowered young learners until she retired
in 2010. She imbued another generation of young people with
intellectual curiosity and impacted countless young lives. Her

students kept in touch over the years and many were so inspired by
her that they went on to become educators themselves.

         When Maureen wasn’t reading the Philadelphia Inquirer,
devouring novels or cooking amazing food for her family and friends,
she loved to be outside. Maureen was inspired by and reveled in the
beauty of the natural world. She spoke often of the majesty of trees,
loved to walk in Ridley Creek State Park and spent countless hours
digging and planting in her many gardens around the house.
Inherently curious about all things near and far, Maureen loved
traveling with her husband and her siblings and their spouses -
always moving, always learning, always loving, and always laughing.

          Maureen’s love had no boundaries. She was bigger than life and
inspired all who knew her. No one knows this more than the children
whose lives she has touched. It would be impossible to relay the
magic and joy she brought to the countless young lives she nurtured,
most especially her children and grandchildren.

“Fare thee well, we love you more than words can tell.”

                   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Maureen Charnitski to Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063 or visit TylerArboretum.org, then select Give, then Memorials and Tributes.

          A Celebration of life will be held July 1st, 2023, at the family home in Wawa.

                   To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.

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