Maureen Connors Stanley, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, age 89, passed away on January 21, 2026.

Born on September 26, 1936 in Stamford, Connecticut to Margaret O’Leary and Thomas J. Connors, Sr., sister to Thomas J. Connors, Jr. (Lorraine- Michael, Sharon, Maureen, and Chris), and Sheila Bunton (Ned- Sheila, Ned, Carrie). Maureen grew up with her parents and siblings in Stamford, particularly loving time at the ocean, involvement in athletics, and socializing with friends. Maureen married Julian Carr Stanley in Glen Cove, LI, New York, and started a family, moving to the Quad Cities, Illinois to raise their children. In later years, she shared a loving relationship with her partner, Lawrence Ihrer.

She role modeled the importance of giving, speaking up and being present, treating others with respect, dignity, and care—often including others in her quests. She was a loyal and tenacious “game changer,” believing every being mattered.

She lived a most meaningful life with “true grit,” being her favorite saying.

Improving the lives of her family, friends, and community was her aim in life. She was a leader, volunteering and fundraising for United Way, St Jude’s, Gilda’s Club, and Rock Island schools. She was politically active in state and local government- changing the social climate and standards of living in the United States. She was a local coordinator of Green Circle (an early intervention social awareness program), and President and board member of Kings Daughters. She was employed at the Rock Island Police Department for 26 years. She had a strong interest in helping youth and a favorite tradition was delivering gifts and meals on Christmas morning with the RIPD with her children and grandchildren by her side.

Preceded in death by her first child (Jay), parents, siblings, Lawrence Ihrer, and Julian Stanley. Survived by her children: Christopher Stanley (Diane), Elizabeth Stanley (Billy), Theodore Stanley, Lynn Duax (John- Ragan, Elliott, Collin), Ellen Powell. She was known as “Mimi” to her devoted grandchildren: Michael, Katie, Ben, Kristin, Jake, Ellie, Emily, Jayson, Jamie, Jessica, Andrew, Jordan, Thomas and Gage, and 11 great grandchildren, who brought her great joy.

Our heartfelt thanks to those friends and caregivers who supported “Mo” at home, Silver Cross-Friendship Manor, and through Heartland Hospice. You made an important difference in her life. You care will not be forgotten.

A visitation will be held at Wheelen-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 2:00-4:00, with a private Celebration of Life following and to be announced.