Maureen was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 22, 1951 to parents Clyde F. Cullen and Peg (Reagan) Cullen.

 

Maureen grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Regina High School in 1969. She attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a degree in journalism.

 

Maureen was always generous with her time, her talents and the love she gave to so many people. Her life was one of service to others and she often was a caregiver for family members, friends, and at her job at Wingspan Life Resources,

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Maureen began working at Wingspan (then called St. Ann’s) in 1974, serving adults with disabilities. She worked there until 2021. After retiring, she continued to work on call, and to offer craft classes until recently.

 

In 1999 Maureen married the love of her life, Frank Merrill. Maureen and Frank worked together for many years. They loved spending time with family and travelling to Florida regularly. Since retirement they traveled internationally to France, Ireland, Greece, Italy and Norway. Although she valued the experiences and memories from each of their trips Maureen also loved being at home.

 

Maureen loved music, art, writing, crafts, decorating, and above all, babies. She also loved finding the perfect gift for someone and wrapping it beautifully.

 

When she was diagnosed in late October with leukemia and a brain virus she faced this with calmness, faith and gratitude for the life she had shared with Frank.

 

Maureen will be remembered for her humor and the countless funny stories featuring her, and especially for the unconditional acceptance and love she gave to others.

 

Maureen is survived by her husband, Frank; her sister Peggy (Jim) Malchow, sister in laws Sarah White, and Mary (Mike) Schueppert, and brother in law Peter (Amy) Merrill and is loved by numerous nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces.

 

Memorials preferred to Wingspan Life Resources.

  Services for Maureen will take place on January 22nd, 2026 at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122. Visitation at 9AM Mass at 10AM.