April 6, 1945 ~ December 2, 2013
Resided in:
Torrance, CA
Maureen Irwin Quiroz
Maureen succumbed to gallbladder cancer on December 2, 2013 in Torrance, CA surrounded by her family and beloved Labradors, Lillie and Mr. Otis.
Maureen was born to the late Donald and Priscilla Irwin on April 6, 1945 in Bakersfield, CA. She graduated from Notre Dame Belmont High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from San Jose State University. As a middle school teacher at Montebello Intermediate, Maureen touched many lives during her 38-year career with the Montebello Unified School District. She continued to remain involved after her retirement in 2007, with the students, co-workers and community she loved so dearly.
As the matriarch and historian of our family, Maureen adored nothing more than spending time with us while delighting all with her wit. She did appreciate an occasional touch of Scotch at home or a few pieces of See's Milk Bordeaux chocolate.
Revered for her delicious home cooked meals and baked goods, Maureen enjoyed sharing stories and an open place at her table for anyone in need of her warm hospitality. Maureen loved books and was very well read. She liked to look through her numerous cookbooks and scanned the "Irish sports pages" daily. Maureen took joy in traveling California during her retirement and especially found great beauty in the Cambria coastline.
Maureen is survived by her daughter, Colleen Enos of Torrance, CA; son Patrick Quiroz (Joshela) of Torrance, CA; grandson, Daniel Enos of Torrance, CA; sisters, Sheila Elgaard (Sheldon) of Foster City, CA; Eileen Mazzoncini (Jack) of San Mateo, CA and former husband Michael Quiroz of Huntington Beach, CA.
Funeral Mass to be scheduled at a later date.
Guestbook
Maureen touched many lives….especially children’s at Montebello Intermediate School.. Her legacy will live on through those she taught to read and those she inspired to believe in themselves and become great. May you find peace knowing she still lives in all who met her. I was blessed.
Rosie Becerra Davies
I really enjoyed the many years I worked with Maureen. She was a true professional and cared so much for the children who were lucjy to have her as a teacher!
Maureen was a wonderful person. She was a role model for me when I started teaching LASS at MOI. I will always appreciate her friendship. Being Irish myself I am sure that she “was in Heaven before the Devil knew she was dead”
I would like to send my deepest condolences to Ms. Quiroz’s family. I don’t think she ever will know how much she meant to me or my family. I was honored to have her as my teacher when I was in 7th grade. She was one of those teachers you may not talk to everyday after you move on but will never forget and are greatful for what she taught you.She was an amazing lady who taught me so much as a student and how to show my talents no matter what anyone thought of me. She also taught with my Grandma , taught with my mom as well and knew me and watched me grow up when I came to MOI before I was even a student there. I was very saddened to hear of her passing and I will pray for her family as they deal with the loss of this amazing lady. God definitely gained an awesome Angel! You will be missed greatly Ms.Quiroz and I wish I told you sooner but Thank you for everything 🙂
Heather Gammage-Marone and the Gammage family
Maureen…. You will be missed and I’ll treasure our time we spent working together. I’m so lucky to have known you.