Maureen Ann Hong

Maureen Ann Hong, 79, of Denver, died peacefully at home on February 17, 2024 due to complications from liver angiosarcoma.  Born in Chicago, Maureen was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph M. and Vivian R. (nee Lamoureux) Gorman who taught Maureen to be responsible, and that knowledge is power; her Aunt Jeanne (nee Lamoureux) Bixler whom Maureen referred to as the best friend a girl could have and whom she credited with nurturing Maureen’s adventurous spirit; and her grandmother, Grace (née Graciella Benjamin) Lamoureux, who through her actions, demonstrated selfless love and lived on in Maureen’s heart throughout her life.

In October 1992, Maureen married Philip E. Hong (also a Chicago native). Along with their loving grandson, M’zareth A. Richardson, whose existence Maureen referred to as “the cherry on the hot fudge sundae that is my life,” Phil and Maureen made their home in Southeast Denver for many years. In addition to her wonderful husband and grandson, Maureen is survived by her cherished son, Patrick Sean Smith (Janice) of Simi Valley, CA; daughter, Arianne Richardson of Boulder, CO; two beautiful grandchildren, Sean and Bella Smith of Simi Valley, CA; her devoted sister and best friend, Patricia Sullivan of Buffalo Grove, IL; her thoughtful niece, Laura Sullivan; three grandnephews (Connor and Griffin Troha, and Zachary Chun); one grandniece (Marceline Chun); and several loving cousins.

 A Colorado resident since 1977, who had lived in numerous locales after leaving Chicago, Maureen always considered the Windy City as “home,” and she never lost a semblance of her telltale mid-western accent. Maureen (and then later along with Phil) was a “super traveler” and visited many places in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Asia, Africa, Europe, Central America, South America, Canada, Mexico, and each of the 50 U.S. states plus several of its territories. Maureen’s two favorite destinations, for very different reasons, were the Galapagos Islands and Luxor, Egypt. Proud to count her “life hero,” the legendary radio personality/oral historian/author Studs Terkel among her acquaintances, Maureen tried to live by the words in Stud’s famous 1974 book entitled Working….. “work is about the search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor; in short, for a sort of life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying.”

 A graduate of the University of North Dakota’s combined Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Program, Maureen was both a certified/licensed NP and PA. Her belief that access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege, provided the foundation for Maureen’s career goals and the many accomplishments she achieved throughout her life.

Maureen’s professional accomplishments were impressive and expansive, and she was dedicated to serving mission-driven organizations. Maureen served as Executive Director of various organizations including Community Health Association of Mountain/Plains States (CHAMPS), and Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN), where she faithfully served community, migrant, and homeless health center, touching countless lives of people across Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Maureen retired from leading these two nonprofits in 1996, however her retirement did not last long as she became a consultant soon thereafter using her impressive expertise and experience to write numerous grant applications for Community Health Centers – all of which were successful. Desiring to utilize her training and skills, the final chapter of her career was with Aurora Mental Health Center for the last several years where she served as a clinical nurse, supporting various medical staff in many capacities.  Maureen also made time to volunteer countless hours at the Dumb Friends League where her love for animals and pride in helping them was palpable. In her downtime, Maureen could be found reading, as her passion for books and learning never ceased, even up until her last moments. 

Maureen leaves a tremendous legacy of generosity and graciousness, benevolence and perseverance. She dedicated her life’s work to social justice and quality healthcare for all. The profound positive impact that she leaves is truly remarkable. While Maureen’s professional accomplishments were impressive and expansive, her true loves were her family and friends. She will be missed and never forgotten.

Celebration of life service to be held on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.; Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation 1091 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, Co 80246  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Maureen’s memory to the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation or The Denver Hospice. A Chicago area memorial will be held at a future date.