McCracken, Maureen H. (nee Henry) died peacefully, Wednesday May 10th, 2017. Maureen is preceded in death by her beloved husband James McCracken. Devoted mother of Eileen (B. Robert) Harlow, Kathleen (Patrick) Yale, Joan Moran, James McCracken and Michael McCracken, loving grandmother to Kathryn Harlow, Elizabeth (Matthew) Baca, Caitlin and Olivia Dunlop, Megan (Renato) Maagalhaes, John, Edward and Lauren Moran, Connor, Madison and Carter McCracken, dear sister to Michael (Mary) Henry dear sister-in-law to Joan Moore and Jack (Grace) McCracken, and many nieces and nephews. Age 82. Residence Anderson Twp. Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Monday, May 15th at 10 a.m. Friends may visit at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Ave., Mt. Washington, on Sunday from 4 - 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church or to Hospice of Cincinnati.

Maureen was born in Huntsfield Kilkelly, in the county of Mayo, Ireland to Edward and Catherine (Deacy) Henry. As a child she and her brother Mike spent many a day helping on the family farm and hunting for blackberries. An aunt offered to sponsor Maureen in the United States, so as a 17 year old, Maureen immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by herself. She got a job on an assembly line wrapping Tastee Kake pastries. It was there in Philadelphia that she met the love of her life, Jimmy McCracken. Maureen and Jim had five children in six years, and they were devoted and caring parents. In the late sixties they moved the family to Cincinnati, Ohio for Jim’s job. Their home was filled with wonderful Irish music, and if Jim wasn’t singing with his glorious tenor voice, Maureen had the stereo playing.

Maureen was very generous with her time and volunteered at church and the kids’ school. She was involved with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and she and Jim hosted the viewing stand at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade for many years. Maureen and Jim were devoted and doting grandparents to those who lived near and far. They often traveled out of state for dance recitals, soccer games, and birthday celebrations. She worked at Merrell Dow for many years and after retiring, started her own business.

When Jim died in 2004, Maureen continued to be involved with the Immaculate Heart of Mary adoration team as well as the Irish Heritage Center. She enjoyed traveling to visit her children in Boston, Dallas, and Virginia Beach or vacationing in Arizona and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Maureen had many friends from all walks of life. She never met a stranger and always had a kind word for everyone. She put God first in her life, and never got over Jim’s passing. She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed.