Maureen Claire Schoenecke

After battling mental illness for over 10 years, Maureen went to be with our Lord on July 10, 2025. She passed away peacefully at Cedars Healthcare Center, where she had lived for most of the past two years.

Maureen was born at Saint Anthony's Hospital in Denver, CO on July 2, 1956. She is survived by her husband, John Patrick Schoenecke; her parents Edgar and Doris Hessek; her brother Joseph Hessek (Karla); her sister Judy Rohr (Kevin); her brother Stephen; her Goddaughter/niece Chelsea Rohr; niece Lindsey Rohr; niece Claire Hessek; cousin/close friend Jack Hessek and several more cousins.

Maureen was baptized at St. Anthony of Padua in Denver and grew up primarily in Lakewood, CO. Her family lived for a short time in Las Vegas, NV and Rockville, MD. She graduated from Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, CO in 1974.

After high school, Maureen spent time in Bismarck, North Dakota, where she was employed as a TV Weather Lady, hosted a local radio talk show, worked in retail and food service. She had many happy memories of those years with her cousins and friends.

In 1987, Maureen earned a degree in Applied Science from the Community College of Denver. She also earned a certificate in Diagnostic Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy Technology. Maureen later went on to earn a degree in Practical Nursing from the Community College of Denver in 1991.

Early in her nursing career, Maureen worked in several Denver area hospitals as well as Great Plains Medical Center in North Platte, Nebraska. She also worked for various doctors in the Denver area. After marrying John, Maureen decided to work with the elderly and spent a few years as a Visiting Angel. She later worked independently with the elderly clients whom she loved, and she became close to their families as well.

Maureen married her soulmate, John Patrick Schoenecke on October 9, 2004 in Golden, Colorado. They hosted a lively reception attended by family and friends from across the country who celebrated long into the night. After honeymooning in San Francisco, Maureen and John adopted their first fur baby, an Irish Setter named Abbie. Maureen and Abbie shared a special bond. John and Maureen traveled around the country on their vacations, mainly enjoying the mountains. Their favorite place was Ouray, Colorado, where they spent many sweet anniversaries.

Sadly, Maureen's illness progressed through the years. John and her family tried over and over again to get her some help. John cared for Maureen at home for as long as possible. In August of 2023, Maureen was brought to live at Cedar's Healthcare Center in Lakewood. John recalls it as the hardest day of his life.

But John, along with Maureen’s family, choose to remember her vibrant personality and how she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved holidays, especially Christmas! Maureen loved shopping and was always on the lookout for thoughtful gifts for the special people in her life. She appreciated the simple things in life like mountains, trees, horses (especially Buckskins) and Irish Setter dogs. One of her prized possessions was a crucifix she wore everyday of the last 15 years. Maureen will be sorely missed by all! She is now free from any pain and resides with our Lord! One special note-- Maureen's parents are 100+ years old, and will not be told of her passing. In their states of fragile health, they could not bear such a loss.

There will a memorial service to honor Maureen, scheduled at a later date.