Maureen (Kerrigan) Arakelian

Maureen Arakelian (Kerrigan), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dedicated healthcare professional, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024 at the age of 89. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1934, to Cornelius Kerrigan and Catherine O’Connell, she lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and service to others.

Maureen began her remarkable career as a nurse at several Boston area hospitals, where she provided comfort and care to countless patients in their most critical times. Her passion for nursing and her commitment to education led her to degrees from Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston University including her Doctor of Nursing.  She pursued a career in teaching as a Professor of Nursing at Salem State College, where she inspired and mentored generations of nurses, instilling in them the values of empathy, diligence, and excellence. In addition to Professor Emerita, she was also a Grantee Society Research Nursing Educator, a member of the American Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, the Eastern Nursing Research Society, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Theta Tau.

Throughout her life, Maureen was known not only for her professional achievements but also for her warmth and generosity. She is preceded in death by her husband William Arakelian, Sr. She was a loving mother to Susan Robidoux and her husband Stephen, William Arakelian and his wife Cathy, and a cherished grandmother to Erin Burke, Zoe Arakelian, and Neil Duggan, and a great-grandmother to Lily and Sam who will forever remember her for her nurturing spirit and the joy she brought into their lives. She was also a friend to her beloved yellow cat, Pumpkin.

Maureen’s legacy of kindness, compassion, education, and service will continue to live on through her family, friends, colleagues, and students she touched throughout her extraordinary life. She will be deeply missed. 

Private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford, NH. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maureen’s name may be made to St. Jude or Northeast Animal Shelter of Salem, MA.