Maureen C. Holden

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Maureen Carmel Battles came into this world with a song in her heart on February 20, 1930. Her parents were John and Marion (MacDaid) Battles. Maureen had three brothers who all passed before her: James Sweetser, John (Jack) Battles and Vincent Battles. Growing up, she had a passion for music, played the accordion and took piano lessons. She loved the Big Band era -- dancing to the Glenn Miller Orchestra and watching the Lawrence Welk Show. Her family enjoyed vacationing at the Round Table Lodge in North Sebago, Maine where she met her first husband, Herbert McBride (who passed away in 1983). His job took them to Burlington, Massachusetts; St. Albans, West Virginia and back to Maine. They had two children, Cheryl and David. Maureen later went on to receive an Associate Degree from Westbrook College. She was an Executive Secretary at Travelers Insurance and worked at Union Mutual for many years. She even tried her hand at real estate with Harnden Realty and modeling at Bernie's Fashions. Maureen and her children were very active in Portland Lyric Theater -- there was always singing and dancing going on at home. Maureen and Herb eventually moved to North Sebago, Maine to take over the Round Table Lodge, which Herb's family had owned. Maureen then married Richard Holden and they lived in Scarborough, Maine. She continued to be active in the theater community, and began teaching private vocal lessons for children at her home as well as teaching students at her daughter Cheryl's dance studio in South Portland. "Miss Maureen," as everyone called her, loved every moment of it! In 2010, she and Richard moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her husband was disabled after an accident and Maureen lovingly took care of him for over 15 years. Maureen enjoyed swimming every day, being in the top 99% of people over 70 in her "Lumosity Brain Games," reading, going to the casino with her son, David, and most of all -- spending time with her family. Having four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, Maureen was rich in love. She had a zest for life and a strong will; and will be remembered for her fighting spirit. She celebrated her 90th birthday with her family all in Fort Lauderdale and passed three days later with family by her side. Maureen leaves behind her son, David K. McBride of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; her daughter, Cheryl Greeley Leach and husband Glenn of Gilmanton, New Hampshire; her granddaughter, Karen McBride Bowman and husband Chris and children Matthew and Ashley of Brandon, Florida; her granddaughter, Jessica Greeley Trahan and husband Colin and children Toby and Liliana of Glendale, California; her granddaughter, Rachel Greeley Schuster and husband Nathan and children Gavin and Bennet of South Portland, Maine; her grandson, Ryan McBride and wife Laura and children Jack and Emily of Brandon, Florida; and her nephew, John Battles and wife Heather of Durham, North Carolina. Visiting hours celebrating Maureen's life will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2020, from 4:00-7:00pm, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Friday, February 28, 2020, at 12:15pm, followed by an 1PM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Maureen's full obituary, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com