Maureen K. (Courtney) McGaffigan, lifelong resident of Malden and longtime Registered Nurse for the City of Malden, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital surrounded by family. She was 83.

Maureen was born in Malden on November 26, 1942, one of five children of the late Daniel Courtney and Mary (O'Neil) Courtney. A true Malden native, she attended Cheverus School before graduating from Ursuline Academy in Dedham. She went on to receive her nursing degree from St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing, beginning a long and meaningful career devoted to the caring for others. Maureen was married to James J. (Jim) McGaffigan in 1967, started a family, and raised her two sons, James and Daniel, in Malden.

Maureen first worked at Malden Hospital before finding her professional home with the City of Malden, where she served as Head Nurse for Malden High School and later for the Malden Board of Health. She brought together a strong sense of civic pride with the compassion, steadiness, and professionalism of a dedicated nurse. Her care for the students and residents of Malden reflected her genuine love for her community. After 23 years of service, Maureen retired from the City but continued nursing at the Medford Board of Health. In 2022, her years of gentle care and commitment were formally recognized with a citation from the City of Malden.

Known for her Irish warmth and natural kindness, Maureen was easy to talk to and quick to share a smile or a story. Independent by nature yet always thoughtful of others, she delighted in giving meaningful gifts, planning family gatherings, and making holidays special. She especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren, enjoying going out for a meal, and traveling with her husband, Jim, to the shoreline of Meredith, New Hampshire.

Beyond her professional life, Maureen was deeply connected and proud of her Malden community. She was an active member of several organizations, including Zonta, Bread of Life, Bike to the Sea, the Irish American Women's Auxiliary, and the Malden Democratic Committee. She also enjoyed reading, cheering on Boston sports, and her return trips to the family homeland, Ireland.

Maureen's faith was a guiding presence and steady foundation throughout her life. She was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Hearts Church in Malden, where she was raised and later raised her own family. In later years, Maureen found continued strength and community at Immaculate Conception Church in Malden, where she was a member of the Women's Group.

Maureen lived a life defined by service to others, quiet faith, and devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of sincere care, strong values, and humble compassion will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of her family.

Maureen was the beloved wife of the late James J. McGaffigan with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. Devoted mother of James J. McGaffigan, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Londonderry, NH, and Daniel McGaffigan and his wife Erin of North Reading. Dear sister to Diane Bannister of Attleboro, Eileen Norton and her husband Robert of Malden, Daniel Courtney of Strafford, NH, and the late Denise Rossi and her surviving husband Andrea of Malden. Loving "Nana" to James J. McGaffigan III, Patrick McGaffigan, Liam McGaffigan, and Cailin McGaffigan. She is also survived by many loving extended Courtney and McGaffigan family members, including in-laws, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather in honor of Maureen during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, Feb. 2 from 3-7pm, and again on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 8:45 am before leaving in procession to Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden for her Funeral Mass celebrated at 10 am. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Donations in Maureen's memory may be made to Bread of Life, 54 Eastern Ave., Malden MA 02148.