Fierce and funny, strong and stubborn and beautiful to the end, Maureen Hanrahan Suhadolnik passed away on July 3, 2025, after a courageous fight with a deadly cancer. A lifelong resident of Springfield, Illinois, she was born on May 5, 1953, to Robert and Lorraine Hanrahan, the third of seven children. She attended Little Flower School, Sacred Heart Academy, Lincoln Land Community College and the University of Illinois at Springfield, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Even as a child, Maureen offered her bold and spirited nature unapologetically to her family and the world. When she swept into a crowded room, her magnetic energy placed her in the middle of the liveliest discussions and the loudest laughter. Over the years she turned that energy to various pursuits, but she most enjoyed her time as owner of Gold's Gym, where she was able to use her extensive training in health and fitness to help others achieve their goals. In later years, her creativity and impeccable style found expression in her Etsy shop, Lavish Creatives, which featured her handmade wreaths, centerpieces and decor. Maureen was a successful gardener and plant mom and a longtime champion for homeless dogs and cats.

But the only occupation that ever really mattered to Maureen was being a mom. In 1979, she married Michael Suhadolnik and together they had three beautiful girls, each as strong and full of crackling energy as their mother. Maureen had the rare ability to be both mother and best friend to her girls and they will sorely miss the wisdom, comfort and laughter she provided them daily. She was an adored Mimo to her six grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. And always, she remained the spirited center of her large and close-knit sibling network.

Maureen is survived by her daughters, Liana (Jonathan) Kurka of Scottsdale, Molly (Tim) Hahn of Springfield, and Caroline (Zach Kirchner) Suhadolnik of Springfield; her six grandchildren, Dominik, Elijah and Josselyn Kurka, and Huxley, Juniper and Laney Hahn; her siblings, Janne Hanrahan of Las Vegas, Nancy Allard of Tucson, Donald (Ann Graffagna) Hanrahan of Springfield, Lawrence (Catherine) Hanrahan of San Saba, TX, and William (Anne) Hanrahan of Carbondale, IL; her sister-in-law, Kathy Hanrahan, wife of her deceased brother, Thomas Hanrahan, of Harrisburg, IL; aunts, Joan Hanrahan of Springfield and Carole Hanrahan of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; nine nieces and nephews; two grand-nieces and a grand-nephew; and eleven cousins. Her beloved fur babies, rescue dogs Gracie and Eddie and Lova the cat, are also mourning the loss of their loving caregiver.

A celebration of Maureen's life will be held on July 13, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brinkerhoff Mansion, 1500 North Fifth Street in Springfield. Flowers may be sent to 1900 Brentwood Drive in Springfield or, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Paws for Life K-9 Rescue in Springfield or Paws Jackson in Jacksonville, IL.