Obituary of Maureen Patricia Gonzalez

Maureen (Reenie) Brannick Gonzalez

Maureen, of Barnegat NJ, died at age 60 on August 29, 2022. She was pre-deceased by her parents Muriel (Donovan) Brannick and Charles J. Brannick, her late husband NJ State Trooper Scott M. Gonzalez, who died in the line of duty October 24, 1997, and her nephew and Godson Christian Wollner. Maureen is survived by her siblings; Muriel Bowness, Madeline Wollner, Charles Brannick, Marilyn Franchini, Daniel Brannick and James Brannick, and her dear partner, James Tierney, who brought her so much happiness. Maureen is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews, and five grand nieces and nephews. Maureen, “Reenie” as she was known to many of her friends and family, was born, the youngest of seven children, in Orange NJ, and raised in West Orange. She attended Our Lady of The Valley Grammar School, Edison Jr. High and graduated from West Orange High School in 1980. Maureen graduated from Kean University in 1984 with a BA in Psychology. She attended St. Barnabas Medical Center to become a Radiology Technician and a Mammographer. Maureen worked at the Outpatient Center of St. Barnabas for many years. More recently she was an Instructor in Radiologic Technology at Morris County College. Maureen was the self-appointed photographer and keeper of family photos. She enjoyed compiling albums and collages for all the family and gifted these to them for holidays and birthdays, as well as milestone events. Over the years Maureen grew to love spending time at the beach, regardless of the season. She also started landscape painting and many of her family and friends have been gifted some of her paintings which held meaning for them. Following the tragic death of her husband, Trooper Scott Gonzalez, Maureen established a fund to keep alive his memory and his determination to overcome and persevere to attain his goals. Through this fund she was able to provide generous scholarships and awards to many graduating students pursuing advanced education or service. Her “State Police Family” recently honored Maureen with a plaque inscribed with these words, “For her dedication and commitment in making a positive impact on countless peoples’ lives and for her generosity which offered peace of mind to families faced with sudden tragedy, hardship, and giving assistance to young men and women striving to continue their education.”

All her family extend their thanks for all the kind words and the memories friends have shared. Paraphrasing the poet E.E. Cummings, “Carry her in your heart.”

There will be a Celebration of her Life for friends and family at Dangler’s Funeral Home 340 Main St. West Orange NJ, Thursday evening, September 22^nd from 3-7pm. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Maureen’s Name to: The Gift of Life Donor Program 401 North 3^rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19123-4101, www.donors1.org or the Charity of your choice.