Maureen McDermott Death, Obituary – The University of Rhode Island (URI) is grieving the loss of Maureen McDermott, a beloved staff member who passed away on November 17, after being struck by a car on campus 11 days earlier. McDermott, the director of Student Involvement and the Memorial Union, was hit by a student driver on Lower College Road on November 6, at around 5 p.m. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she remained in critical condition until her death.
The tragic incident has deeply impacted the URI community, and university officials have extended their condolences to McDermott’s family, friends, and colleagues. In a message to the URI community, Ellen Reynolds, Vice President for Student Affairs, described McDermott as a key figure at the university who devoted more than four decades to fostering student life and engagement. “Her radiant smile and unwavering dedication to URI were an inspiration to everyone who knew her,” Reynolds said. “Maureen’s legacy, marked by her service and her devotion to the success of students, will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to work alongside her.”
McDermott joined URI in 1981 and worked tirelessly to support students and the hundreds of campus organizations she was involved with. Her role was crucial in shaping the university’s student experience, and she was known for her compassionate guidance and advocacy for student success.
A proud URI parent, McDermott regularly attended sporting events with her husband, Paul, and supported her three sons, all of whom graduated from URI. As the university mourns this immense loss, resources have been made available to students and staff to help cope with the grief. McDermott’s passing leaves an indelible void at URI, but her impact will be remembered for generations to come.
