Obituary for Maureen Barbara Zachmann (née Nichols)

October 31, 1933 – February 4, 2026

Maureen was born Brooklyn, NY, and spent her early years in the Ridgewood section of Queens, where she met the love of her life, William Louis Zachmann. As a young woman, she moved to Huntington, NY, where her parents built a home near the North Shore of Long Island. Bill continued to court her across many drives out to what was then called the “country,” and on April 17, 1954, they embarked on an incredible journey together – a marriage that would last for 63 years, until the passing of her loving husband in 2017.

Maureen and Bill would make a home together in the Long Island town of Commack, NY. Maureen was something of a trailblazer for her time, choosing to work and build a career while raising their son, Will. Thirty-three years of loyal service in Northport Public Schools saw her rise from an administrative assistant to the principal in Pulaski Road Elementary to the position of Pension and Benefits Manager for the entire school district; a position ideally suited to her insight, wisdom, trustworthiness, and compassion.

Maureen and Bill each enjoyed long and productive careers that set the stage for their eventual retirement to New Bern, NC, where, for more than three decades, they would share the first of several homes they would enjoy and make their own. She had a keen eye for interior design, color, and architectural detail, such that many of her friends and acquaintances would seek out her advice and recommendations for their own home improvement projects. These and many other friends and neighbors were frequent guests, as the couple enjoyed entertaining. Maureen was an avid and exceptionally good cook. They traveled extensively, visiting numerous states and 26 foreign countries, and enjoyed spending time at the beach on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, where they maintained a modest ‘home away from home.’

An avid gardener, Maureen was a member of the New Bern Garden Club, a skilled Mah Jong player, and with her husband, was an active, engaged parishioner in St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Bern. The couple was also active in the local Knights of Columbus, where Bill held the distinction of Past Grand Knight. Later in life, Maureen became a Eucharistic Minister, visiting the elderly and infirm to administer the Holy Sacrament.

Maureen loved to read, paint in watercolors, craft ceramics, engage in charitable works, and spend time with her many close friends. Her tremendous intelligence, heart, and seemingly limitless capacity to love and care for others made her a cherished wife, mother, and friend. She will be very deeply missed. Maureen is survived by her loving son Will and daughter-in-law Kay Zachmann.