Obituary of Maureen M. Carolan

Maureen Margaret Carolan, a devoted matriarch, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her Rockaway Borough home. Her 84 years of love, laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable memories will be cherished by all who knew her.

Born in NYC, NY to the late Margaret Ahren and Thomas Kilcommons, Maureen was the youngest of seven children raised in South Orange, NJ. She attended Marylawn of the Oranges and graduated from Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ, before pursuing secretarial studies. Maureen's career path led her to work with an insurance company and then in the family business.

Maureen's true passion, however, was her family. She married Malcolm "Boss" Joseph Carolan, and together they settled in Rockaway Borough, where they raised their children and built a life filled with love, laughter, and family fun. Maureen was instrumental in the success of her husband's family business, Carolan Packaging, where she worked side by side with him daily.  She handled every aspect of the business, from customer relations to finances, with dedication and expertise.

Maureen's greatest joy was her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She attended every game, play, and dance recital, always beaming with pride. “Mema” would annually host a Big Birthday Celebrations for all her grandchild with a Themed Sleepover.  One year it was a Pirate theme, and another would be a Star Wars theme where her grandkids would dress up in themed costumes.   Cooking was a big part of Mema’s house, after sleepovers all of the cousins cooked breakfast together. They also made and decorated cookies and cakes as well as making the Kilcommons family Irish Soda Bread together. Maureen was member of St. Cecilia Church, where she taught CCD for many years. 

Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Malcolm "Boss" Joseph Carolan, her daughter, Margaret Beth Carolan, her parents, and her siblings in Heaven. 

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her adored children, Joseph & Gina Carolan, Mary Alice & Frank Cole, James & Monica Carolan; her cherished grandchildren, Timothy & Michaela Carolan, Megan Carolan, Alyssa & Kamden Hall, Maggie & Michael Millicker, Sean Carolan, Aidan & Amber Cole, Thomas Carolan, Taylor Werfel, Paul Werfel, and Matt Werfel; great-grandchildren, Lelia, Holly, Addie, Alexander, and Aiden; her doting caregiver, Irma Giorgobiani; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family on Sunday, December 8th from 3 – 6 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Everyone is invited back to the funeral home on Monday, December 9th at 9:30 am for a Celebration of Life which will begin at 10 am. Maureen will be laid to rest at St. Cecilia Cemetery, Academy Street, Rockaway Borough after the service. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Maureen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences online or in person, as they celebrate Maureen's life and legacy.