Maureen-Breen Putnam-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Funeral Home

Maureen Breen Putnam

Riverside, Illinois

Nov 6, 1947 – Jun 22, 2010

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BORN
November 6, 1947
DIED
June 22, 2010
LOCATION
Riverside, Illinois

Obituary

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Woodlawn Funeral Home Obituary

Maureen Breen-Putnam, 62, French teacher, translator and author whose innovative techniques for teaching foreign languages in Chicago public schools earned her the Chevalier Dans l'ordre Des Palmes Academiques, awarded by the French government in 2001, and a nomination for the Golden Apple Award,...

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I first met Maureen 26 or -7 years ago, when Derm brought her to a family cookout. We all were wearing shorts and sneakers. Maureen was wearing a mini skirt and high heels. She was stunning. She was witty, she was charming, she drew cartoons and made magic for the children. She did not play volleyball. Toward the end of the evening, Derm took me aside, smilingly eager to get my opinion: “So Ave… what do you think of Maureen – isn't she somethin'?� He was thrilled with himself to be...

Moe was my good friend from the moment I set foot into Riverside. We had such long and enriching conversations at the cafe. I shall miss her always.

Etre fidèle à ceux qui sont morts
ce n'est pas s'enfermer dans la douleur
Il faut continuer à creuser son sillon,
droit et profond,
Comme ils l'auraient eux-memes,
Comme on l'aurait fait avec eux,pour eux,
Etre fidèle à ceux qui sont morts ,
C'est vivre comme ils auraient vécu
Et les faire vivre avec nous,
Etre fidèle à ceux qui sont morts,
C'est transmettre leur visage ,leur voix,
leur message aux autres,
A Dermot ,à sa famille ,à...

Notre coeur saigne, aujourd'hui, mais, la maladie qui t'emporte n'a pas gagné. Elle n'a pas même émoussé ton sourire. L'amour que tu portes aux autres, celui que tu nous as donné et celui que nous t'offrons survivent. Ta générosité et ton inextinguible joie de vivre nous accompagnent et nous rendent plus fort. Nous ne pouvons oublier ce que tu continues de nous donner. C'est pour celà  que tu vis en nous pour toujours.
Merci pour le bonheur que te connaître nous donne.

You were a bright star Maureen and we were so lucky to share your bright life....
I just returned from Paris and was thinking of you while we walked the
streets you so loved...

Ms. Breen was an amazing teacher!

Madame Breen was a fantastic teacher for young students. She made every day humorous and challenging. Thank you for your time and energy, you inspired me as a student and as a teacher.

This comes to mind when thinking about Maureen:
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us... if it is serving, let her serve; if it is teaching, let her teach; if it is encouraging, let her encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let her give generously... if it is showing mercy, let her do it cheerfully... Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves... Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer....

"Avant que tu ne t'en ailles,
Pâle étoile du matin,
Mille cailles
Chantent, chantent dans le thym.

Tourne devers le poète,
Dont les yeux sont pleins d'amour;
L'alouette
Monte au ciel avec le jour.

Tourne ton regard que noie
L'aurore dans son azur;
Quelle joie
Parmi les champs de blé mûr !

Puis fais luire ma pensée
Là-bas - bien loin, oh, bien loin !
La rosée
Gaîment brille sur le foin.