Maeve Burke Shugrue, 65, of Southampton, NY died unexpectedly April 18, 2024. Devoted and adored mother of J. Edward “Ned” and his wife Laura Buck, Charles G. and Justin P. Shugrue, who survive her. Maeve was the beloved daughter of Eileen Mayer Burke and Joseph J. Burke.
Born in New York, NY on January 28, 1959. She was predeceased by her parents; most recently by her dearest 95 year-old mother, just a month prior. She was also predeceased by her husband J. Edward “Ted” Shugrue in 2012.
The sixth of nine children, Maeve is survived by her heartbroken eight siblings and their families: Joseph J. Burke (Kristena Prater) of Aspen CO, Cathleen Mason (Thomas) of Locust Valley NY, Eileen Giotis (James) of Howell NJ, Jamesine Burke Clark of Ridgewood NJ, Maureen (David Jaffe) of Eastport NY, James J. Burke (Joan Goodman) of Long Beach NY, Justin J. Burke (Gretchen Mueller) of Carmel CA, and Deirdre Burke Dentel of Eastport NY. Maeve will also be greatly missed by her close-knit extended family of 22 nieces and nephews and 13 grandnieces and nephews, with whom she had special connections and frequent interactions. Our family particularly grieves that Maeve will never get to hold her first grandchild who is expected in June and whom she was very excited to meet!
Maeve’s early years were spent in Muttontown, NY and summered in Long Beach, NY, where she acquired a life-long love of the ocean and the beach. In her teenage years, the family moved to Yaphank, NY. She attended high school at both Mercy in Riverhead and Longwood in Middle Island. Maeve met her husband Ted in the professional world where she worked as a publicist in the entertainment industry. As a young couple, they had a whirl-wind romance. They travelled frequently to Europe, attending the Cannes Film Festival and various other industry events annually. They would soon marry in a ceremony in the Chapel of the Choir at the Vatican in Rome, honeymoon in Positano with a reception to follow on the East River in New York City upon their return. Needless to say, with Ted, Maeve lived an exciting life!
Originally based in New York City, where Ned was born, they relocated to Pacific Palisades, CA for Ted’s work. During those years, they spent summers in Southampton, NY. This gave the entire Burke family incentive to gather on eastern Long Island annually to be together. Eventually, these family get-togethers became known as Burkefest; a long weekend celebration that continues to this day.
In 1999, the now family of five, with Charlie and Justin having been born in LA, would return to New York full-time, taking up residence in Rye, NY. During these years, Maeve was the consummate wife, mother and hostess. She had a great eye for beautiful things and design, she loved to cook and was talented at it. She loved to host the extended family for holidays and the milestone celebrations of baptisms, holy communions, confirmations, graduations and birthdays. These were happy days.
However, when Ted died, 12 years ago, life would change radically for Maeve and her boys. She then dedicated herself, even more so, to parenting single-handedly these young teens. During this time there were a number of moves until Maeve eventually decided to return to Southampton by the sea where so much happiness had been lived. Yet again, Maeve created a beautiful home for her sons to flourish and a special place where family could gather. We are heartened that Maeve got to see the boys transform into the fine, hard- working, industrious, educated and successful young men they have become. Maeve was their “rock”, mother, mentor, cheerleader, confidante and counselor. She loved them unconditionally and was so proud!
As a sibling, she was special, kind and compassionate, with a keen sense of humor, and so much grace. She would light up a room when she entered. We are so grateful, in particular, for the love, care and work Maeve took on in being the primary caregiver to our recently-deceased Mother. Maeve’s life has not only impacted our family; wherever Maeve went she created deep and loyal friendships and had the gift of keeping those relationships long term. Our loss of Maeve in our lives is devastating. She will live in our hearts forever.
Maeve cared deeply about the less fortunate and those struggling to get by, particularly in areas of tremendous affluence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made in their mother’s name to:
Hamptons Community Outreach
P.O. Box 838,
Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Arrangements provided by O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00 am. **Mass will be livestreamed on the Basilica’s Facebook Page – search Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on Facebook**
BASILICA PARISH OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY
168 Hill Street
Southampton, NY
Internment Following Funeral Service:
SACRED HEARTS CEMETERY
231 County Road 39 A
Southampton, NY
A brief reception hosted by the family to follow.
