When Maureen McDonnell was advised that she had advanced cancer, the doctors on her team made the solemn rounds and several of them came back. They just wanted to talk. She listened and asked questions as they told her about themselves, their families and careers. When asked why they continued to visit, one intern said, "...she's special."

This was not an unusual occurrence. Her ability to draw in people was part of her life and her career. We lost her on Monday, November 18 but she will live in the memory of all who knew her.

A proud native of the Bronx, Maureen (aka, "Mo" and "GrandMo") attended St. Philip Neri Grammar School, Cardinal Spellman High School, took a degree in history at Lehman College, and received a master's degree in counseling from CCNY. Her first professional position was as a counselor for hearing impaired children at St. Joseph's School for the Deaf. From there she worked in the same position for Dutchess BOCES. Her work transitioned into school counseling at Highland Middle School and then to Poughkeepsie Middle School and Poughkeepsie High School for twenty-five years. In all venues, she was fiercely loyal to her students and they to her.

That loyalty also extended to her family. She leaves behind her husband Greg Zinsley, her daughter Caitlin McDonnell Zinsley, her son-in-law Matthew Wetzler, two granddaughters Fiona and Evie Wetzler, Her brother Robert and sister Joan. Two brothers, John and Thomas predeceased her. She also leaves a BFF, Elizabeth (Betsy) Nouss and her husband Tom Guinan.

To all who read this, in her memory, please engage your family, friends and acquaintances. Listen, understand, empathize.