Gansevoort & East Worcester, NY

Maureen A. VanBuren (McNolty), 54, of Gansevoort, NY and East Worcester, NY left us on March 22, 2015. She was the daughter of the late Francis R. McNolty and Marjorie E. Burton. Maureen was born in Rutland, VT on June 28, 1960. She married her husband, Ron VanBuren, her soul mate and the love of her life, on July 9, 2005. Maureen lived her life to the fullest; she traveled extensively, and touched many people’s lives through her generous spirit and her work in education.

She is also survived by her siblings: Sylvia Power and her husband, Dennis; Michael McNolty and his fiancée, Lisa Butler; Cathleen Seaton and her husband, John; and Richard McNolty and his wife, Darya. In addition to her sisters and brothers, Maureen is survived by her nieces and nephews, who were the children Maureen never had: Paul Venne and wife, Jaime; Rebecca Venne and her fiancé, Ira Zane; Nicholas Seaton; Katherine Seaton; Jason McNolty; Katelyn McNolty. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law: Freeland (Stub) and his wife, Bernice; Jackie and his wife, Norma. Maureen also cherished her many nieces and nephews by marriage.

Maureen earned her undergraduate degree at the College of St. Joseph with dual majors in elementary and special education. She earned her graduate degree in special education at SUNY Albany and her post-graduate work in education administration from SUNY Plattsburg. After a distinguished 33-year career in the field of education, Maureen retired as the superintendent of Fort Ann Central School in 2015. Prior to becoming a superintendent, Maureen began her teacher career in Miami, FL, and taught, or was an administrator, in several regional schools including Glens Falls, Argyle, Galway, and Worcester, NY. She also taught for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools for a year, serving in Okinawa, Japan. Maureen always knew that she wanted to be a teacher and wanted to leave this world knowing she had made a difference. In addition to her career in education, which she loved, Maureen enjoyed spending time with her family and loved the outdoors. Some of her favorite pastimes were biking and walking with her husband, especially on the beach. Hiking, camping, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing and sledding were other outdoor activities, which Maureen also enjoyed. A good book and a cup of tea were great rainy day companions or a sunny, warm day pleasure. Maureen also loved to travel and visited all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Greece, and Italy. The highlight of her travels was her trip to Ireland with her Dad, her sister Sylvia, and her niece Katherine.

Maureen believed in giving back and was a Hospice Volunteer for fifteen years. She also contributed to several organizations, especially those that assisted families at Christmas. Calling hours will be from 5:00-7:00p.m. on Tuesday March 24, 2015 at the M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward. For online condolences and to view Maureen’s Book of Memories, please visit our website at www.kilmerfuneralhome.com. A service of remembrance will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday March 25, 2015 at the Fortsville Methodist Church, 402 Fortsville Road, Gansevoort, NY.

In lieu of flowers, Maureen requested that contributions be made to your local Hospice, the Fortsville Methodist Church at 402 Fortsville Road, Gansevoort, NY, or to a charity of your choice.

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