Stony Brook, Long Island, January 4, 2026
News Summary
Maureen Ganley, a beloved matriarch from Stony Brook, Long Island, left a legacy of joy and memories in her family. After a life filled with love, laughter, and a passion for tennis, she embraced new beginnings in Florida. Maureen will be remembered not only for her dedication to her family but also for her everlasting spirit. Tributes to her memory can be made through donations, with funeral arrangements scheduled for January 2026.
Celebrating the Life of Maureen Ganley: A Heart Full of Love and Memories
In the scenic town of Stony Brook, Long Island, a remarkable woman named Maureen Ganley touched many lives with her warmth and joy. Born Maureen in a loving family, she married the love of her life, Donald T. Ganley, on a beautiful day, May 18, 1957. This loving union sparked a life filled with adventure, family, and countless cherished memories.
Family First
Together, Maureen and Donald welcomed five beautiful children into their lives: Loretta, Maureen, Joseph, Donald, and Catherine. It was in October 1967 when the family decided to call Stony Brook home. This move opened the doors to joyful summers at the Pool Club (Stony Brook Swim & Racket Club), where laughter and swimming created lasting bonds. As the years rolled on, their home turned into a bustling hub filled with the chatter and giggles of children learning and growing.
Proud Achievements
Maureen took immense pride in her children’s accomplishments. All five of them earned college degrees, a feat she celebrated with endless enthusiasm. A fierce advocate for education, she believed in fostering a love for learning within her family.
New Beginnings in Florida
In 1988, Maureen and Donald embraced a new chapter by retiring to Palm City, Florida. Here, they thrived in the sunny ambiance, spending their days playing golf and tennis. The couple found joy not only in their new surroundings but also in their frequent trips back up north to reconnect with extended family, maintaining those precious ties.
A Passion for Tennis
Maureen was not just any tennis fan; she was an avid supporter of the sport, going as far as attending Wimbledon. Tennis became a favorite pastime, and she loved nothing more than hitting the courts with her children and grandchildren. Beyond tennis, she was a fan of card games, calling family and friends together for fun-filled nights that sparked both laughter and competitive spirits.
A Fun-loving Grandmother
A true matriarch, Maureen was a playful grandmother who adored her 13 grandchildren: Kathleen, Matthew, Meaghan, Brendan, Danny, Christine, Brian, Michael, Melissa, Kevin, Lauren, Connor, and Jimmy. She passed on her love for card games, Irish music, and travel, creating a legacy that her family would cherish forever.
Adapting to Change
After Donald’s passing on February 17, 2009, Maureen demonstrated her resilience by moving to Barefoot Resort in 2016, where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Jerry O’Callaghan. While she missed Donald dearly, she found solace in her new community and forged strong friendships, often gathering for card games, which kept her spirit alive.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Maureen will be remembered not just as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but as a beacon of joy and togetherness in her family. She spread happiness and warmth wherever she went, leaving an everlasting imprint on the hearts of those who knew her. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love will continue through her family.
Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to pay tribute to Maureen’s memory can make memorial donations to Tunnels to Towers at www.t2t.org. A visitation is scheduled at Lee Funeral Home in Little River, South Carolina, on January 11, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on January 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Maureen Ganley
- Wikipedia: Family
- Dignity Memorial: Funeral Arrangements
- Google Search: Local Funeral Services
- Dignity Memorial: Tributes to Maureen Ganley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memory
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
