Mavourneen A. Hubbard

May 28, 1952 ~ March 22, 2024

On Friday, March 22, 2024, at home in New Windsor, NY and surrounded by her loving family, our cherished Mavourneen A. Murphy-Hubbard, affectionately known as Vorne, Vonnie, and Reverend Deacon, peacefully embraced the Lord's promise of eternal life (John 3:16).
She is survived by devoted and loving husband James Sr. (Tom), family members, and a community that will forever be grateful for her presence in their lives. Mavourneen and James embarked on a journey of friendship, love, and commitment sharing 53 years of a remarkable marriage and family life. Their union was blessed with their beloved son, James and daughter Siobhan. Their relationship and marriage continues to be respected and cherished.  Mavourneen's family was further enriched by the addition of her beloved daughter-in-law, Monica Hubbard, and six adored grandchildren: Collin, Devin, Ashlan, James, Eibhlin, and Lawrence. Mavourneen's heart overflowed with affection for numerous extended family members, including beloved brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews, each holding a special place in her abundant love and affection. Her presence… made one feel special.
Mavourneen was born on May 28, 1952, in Buffalo, NY, to Loretta and Edward J. Murphy Sr. Growing up in Buffalo, she reveled in the warmth of family bonds, sharing treasured moments with her siblings and extended relatives – fostering a sense of unity that would define her family, church and community commitments for nearly 72 years as a child of God.
From an early age, Mavourneen's faith was a guiding light, nurtured through her active participation in the religious community at Our Lady of Charity Holy Family Church, Buffalo. This spiritual foundation instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and compassion that would shape her interactions with others as she engaged people across the United States and internationally. She enjoyed traveling to The Holy Lands, Ireland, cruising and vacationing with family members and friends.
Education was paramount to Mavourneen, and she excelled academically at Mount Mercy Academy in Buffalo, graduating with honors in 1970. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Nutrition at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she graduated Cum Laude laying the groundwork for community and diaconate service. Her life was dedicated in serving God – guiding and energizing her to serve the Episcopal Diocese of New York and many churches and organizations throughout the region.
In her professional life, Mavourneen's commitment to nurturing young minds extended beyond the church walls. As Director of Child Nutrient Programs for over 32 years in Hudson Valley school districts, she championed excellence in food nutrition for children.  She valued her longstanding memberships and relationships in various School and Food Service Organizations throughout the state.  Even after her retirement in 2008, her advocacy persisted through her role as a part-time School Lunch Manager Consultant for Orange Ulster BOCES.
Mavourneen's faith, love of God and church guided her decision to become a diaconate servant.  On Saturday, May 01, 2010, Mavourneen was ordained Deacon by The Rt. Rev. Bishop Mark S. Sisk in the Cathedral Church of Saint John The Divine, Diocese of New York.   From that moment until her passing into eternal life, Mavourneen was mentored, supported, and loved by countless clergy and faith members, and community friends.  She cherished fellow Clergy, lay church members, and friends – their respected abilities, skills, wisdom, and kindness inspired and guided her to become better serving others.
In fulfilling her Deacon Vows, Deacon Vonnie held leadership roles in Loaves and Fishes of Newburgh providing families in need with food. Likewise, she was a progressive leader of Abrahams Table, a not-for-profit organization formed in 2011 to provide summer lunches for children in the City of Newburgh NY. In 2013, Rev. Deacon Vonnie and others reorganized Shepherds Kitchen, a community meal program offering lunch every weekend for anyone hungry in the City of Newburgh. On May 28, 2015, the Orange County Human Rights Commission in Goshen NY recognized and honored her actions and unwavering commitment to the community in advancing human rights in Orange County.  Humbly serving the local community, she joined other Rotarian Members providing equitable services and treatment to those in need.   Whether in church or in other community spaces Mavourneen never ceased being a child of God and friend to all.
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, the churches Iglesia el Buen Pastor, Church of the Good Shepherd, St. George's Episcopal and St. John's Episcopal held a Special Service with Presider and Preacher, The Rt. Rev. Mary D. Glasspool, Assistant Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of NY honoring years of selfless commitment to others.
Mavourneen's legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire all fortunate enough to have interacted with her. While she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will forever live on in the countless lives she touched and the memories she created.
A memorial visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Friday, April 5 from 4 – 7 PM.  A funeral Mass service will be held at St. George's Episcopal Church, 105 Grand St., Newburgh NY on Saturday, April 6 at 10 AM.
Memorial Donations are welcomed by Shepherd's Kitchen – La Iglesia El Buen Pastor, 271 Broadway, PO Box 2865, Newburgh NY 12550 or Episcopal Charities 1047 Amsterdam Ave. New York, NY 10025 – both organizations that serve families and individuals in need of nutritious food.
Family members are comforted by your thoughts, prayers, kindness, friendship, and selfless love. May all remain in fellowship according to the Two Great Commandments… Love God, Love One Another.