Maureen Louise Hogan Loyacono, born in Pueblo, Colorado, on July 5, 1938, and died peacefully on June 18, 2025, at the age of 86, in Kansas City, Missouri. After a life filled with enlightening young minds and engaging in rousing political debates, Maureen left an indelible mark on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She graduated from Denver's East High in 1956. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Colorado. Forever the educator, Maureen spent 32 years teaching social studies in the Denver Public Schools, where she instilled in her students the importance of civics and American government. She taught at Thomas Jefferson High, Hamilton Jr. High, Cole Jr. High, and finally, George Washington High. She was also an officer with the Denver Classroom Teachers Association. Known for her sharp wit and sharper opinions, Maureen was a force to be reckoned with, both in the classroom and within the Democratic Party, where she proudly served as a Democratic Committeewoman in southeast Denver.

Maureen was raised in a family deeply entrenched in union ideals by her parents, Edward F. Hogan and Cora L. Wise Hogan—both leaders with the Western Conference of Teamsters. Maureen carried those progressive values throughout her life and passed them on to her children and grandchildren. Her commitment to the cause led her to advocate tirelessly for women's rights, always hopeful that one day, America would come to its senses and elect a woman president. Her all-time favorite public servant was Barack Obama.

Maureen's love for politics was rivalled only by her passion for the arts, as evidenced by her season tickets to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. After retirement, she continued to attend ballet and musical theater performances, go to the movies, and visit art galleries. She loved the Gershwins, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett, though she was known to attend a rock concert or two.

She was an enthusiastic home cook and loved to go out for lunch. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren – discussing current events and playing board games.

In 2012, Maureen moved to Kansas City to be closer to her beloved family, including her daughters, Laura L. Loyacono (Eric Jacobson) and Susan M. Loyacono. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Joseph P. Loyacono-Bustos (Tania Guzman), Elena L. Loyacono-Bustos (Brennan Reid), Jack C. Honeywell, Emma Jacobson, and Eli Jacobson. Her brother, Michael N. Hogan, also survives her.

Preceded in death by her parents and her brother Thomas Hogan, Maureen's legacy lives on through the stories, laughter, and boundless love she shared with all who knew her. Her home was never without a cat or two—each adopted feline holding a special place in her heart alongside her dreams of warm sandy beaches.

We would like to thank her wonderful caregivers at the University of Kansas Hospital, Brookdale Wornall, and Kingswood Senior Living.

Our dear mother leaves behind a world a little less colorful, but infinitely better for having had her in it. Her Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at HJs Community Center, located at 6425 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, Missouri, 64113, at 3:30 pm. We will gather to share memories, laughter, and probably some chocolate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the ACLU.