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JOHNSTON -- MAUREEN HANNA COUGHLIN Age 58, born March 10, 1953 in Passaic, NJ, died July 2, 2011 in Albuquerque, NM. Born with Spina Bifida, Maureen dedicated her life to advocating for people with disabilities. Encouraged by her mother Anna to be independent, she learned to drive. Her cars and later, her power chair, became her legs. "Hot Rod Hanna" dedicated her life to teaching vocational rehabilitation and special education from 1974-2004, working at Buckeye Hills Career Center in Rio Grande, OH, and Danbury High School in Danbury, CT. The first in her family to attend college, she earned three degrees, a B.A. in Special Education and Elementary Education from William Patterson State College, a Master's in Vocational Rehabilitation from University of WI-Stout and a 6th year degree in School Counseling and Guidance from SCSU (New Haven, CT). She is survived by children, Jeffrey and Sean, and widowed to second husband, William T. Graves. Maureen is preceded in death by parents, John D. and Anna V. Berg; brothers, Patrick and Daniel. Maureen loved and wore many hats, as proud mother, teacher, mentor, and friend to countless students, neighbors, and strangers. While she is dearly missed, her legacy fills our hearts. At her request, a private viewing and cremation service was held earlier this month. In her honor, contributions can be made to the Spina Bifida Association.
        Published on: Sun July 17, 2011