Maureen Diana McIlmoyle

Maureen Diana McIlmoyle, 57, of Omaha, NE, lost her battle to depression on February 25, 2022, at her home in Omaha. She is preceded in death by parents Patricia Ruth “Patty” McIlmoyle née McBrien and Gerald Eugene “Jerry” McIlmoyle; and older sister Mary Catherine, who died at birth.

Maureen was born September 25, 1964, in Papillion, Nebraska, to Gerald and Patricia McIlmoyle. She was the third of four children and could often be found in cahoots with her younger sister, Erin. She was an excellent student and a gifted flautist while in school. She graduated in 1982 from Annandale High School in Annandale, VA. Maureen soon found herself working at the Navy Annex in Washington, D.C., coordinating domestic and overseas performances of the President’s Own United States Marine Corps Band. While there, she received a commendation in 1990 for her work from the Commandant of the Marine Corps. She married David Stephan in 1989 and had two daughters whom she loved dearly.

Maureen was a gifted crafter, excelling at sewing, quilting, knitting, felting, and anything else she put her mind to. She cared deeply about her family and friends and gave freely of her time to help those in need. She was proud of her work with Smiles Change Lives in Kansas City, which helped to give braces to children of indigent families. She also gave years of her time to the organization “Knitting Behind Bars” which taught knitting skills to people who were incarcerated. If not currently occupied with crafts, Maureen could be found helping family with just about any task that needed her artistic eye or diligent work ethic. She was known in the family as someone with a deeply compassionate heart who was willing to hit the road at a moment’s notice if there was a family member in need.

Not only was Maureen artistically gifted and empathetic, but she also possessed a wicked sense of humor that could have anyone on their knees laughing and in tears once she got going. Maureen was known for being able to point out the humorous moments in ridiculous situations and craft comedic tales worthy of a true Irish bard. Maureen could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and find something in common, and made many friends easily with her openness and warmth of character.

Unfortunately, Maureen’s compassion for others did not extend to herself. Her daughters and many loved ones will wish every day that they could have helped her see how beautiful and profoundly loved she was.

Maureen is survived by the father of her daughters, David Stephan; daughters Diana Marie Buchanan (Zack) and Samantha Jane Bash (Jim); siblings Patrick McIlmoyle (Robin), Ruth Reiser (Mark), and Erin Maxwell; many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Saturday, March 5, Noon – 1:00 p.m., followed by a

Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m., all at Bellevue Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or

https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=2078&language=en