Maureen Karen Gilchrist

Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on June 12, 1951, to Norine Forkin O’Brien and Thomas I. O’Brien, Maureen was the eldest of five children and deeply proud of her Irish heritage and immigrant family roots.

She served as a Captain in the United States Army Nursing Corps, where she received a Medal of Commendation for meritorious service. Maureen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Avila University and a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from Webster University. She lived her life by the Christian principle of service to others, dedicating more than 40 years to a vocation in health care; working in emergency rooms, delivery rooms, and later as a diabetes educator.

Maureen is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Pat Gilchrist; her treasured children and their spouses, Katie and Mark, Mike and Monica, and Tim and Emily; and her six adored grandchildren, Natalie, Molly, Mia, Penny, Tommy, and Kieren. She was a devoted sister to Patti, Sheila, and Ellen; a loving aunt to her nieces and nephew: Liz, Hanna, Mary, Maureen, Nonie, Katie, Maggie, and Brendan; and a cherished friend to her dearest “Ya-Yas” from Avila, whose friendship she treasured for over 55 years.

In lieu of flowers, Maureen requested that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association and/or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Visitation will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Saturday, November 22, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Remembrance at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that accents of green be worn to honor Maureen in her journey.

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

The sun shine warm upon your face,

The rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again…

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May the Lord cause His face

To shine upon you and give you peace.