Hester Maureen McLernon

Maureen (Hester) McLernon-Babon, 75, of Punta Gorda, passed on Thursday, July 20th, 2023. Maureen was the loving wife of 35 years to Thomas M. Babon. A nurse for 45 years, Maureen lived her life caring for the sick and the elderly. Maureen left us peacefully at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, Florida. Maureen is survived by her children, Aine and Peter, Peter's sons, Declan and Jack, and John's children, Hope and Charlie, as well as her sister Imelda and her three daughters. From the extended McLernon-Babon family, Dawn, Eric also survive her and their two sons, Danny and Eric. Maureen was predeceased by her son John, her sister, and her two brothers. Maureen (Hester) Duffy was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on April 30th, 1948. She grew up in Belfast before immigrating to the United States. Where she worked as a nurse providing care to the elderly, it was during this time when she met her true love in Thomas M. Babon, who would in a short time later become her husband and remain her husband through to her passing after 35 years of marriage. Together they would settle in Candlewood Shores in Brookfield, Connecticut, and remain there for several years before relocating again to Northern Ireland to care for her son John. While in Belfast she worked as the head nurse at Our Lady's, a nursing home that specialized in caring for patients with dementia. After John's passing, Maureen and Tom relocated back to the United States and settled in Florida where they remain today. Maureen was a very grateful person with a big heart. She would regularly take the last notes out of her purse to give to homeless people. On one occasion, after noticing a homeless woman sleeping on a bench without a coat, she went as far as to go home to collect one of her own coats and returned to give it to the woman. She regularly attended mass and for decades donated to St Jude's Children's hospital and to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In her last days, she spoke fondly of her early days of Céilí dances with her cousins, the memories of her sisters, brothers, and mother. Maureen's first job was as a clerk at a Chemist. She worked hard to advance her education with degrees and certifications in London that qualified her to be a nurse, which she worked with compassion for the duration of her life. We love her deeply and miss her very much. Contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte in place of flowers. Tidewell Hospice Port Charlotte Hospice House (941) 552-5900 Donation link https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate/