Maureen Carr Appelbaum (née Maureen Eddy Carr), born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Myrtle Axelrod Carr and Edward X. Carr, lived a life defined by compassion, service, and devotion to family and friends.
Maureen graduated from Nashville’s Peabody Demonstration School and went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Memphis State University, focusing on early childhood education.
Maureen pursued a career as a kindergarten teacher in Memphis, primarily at an inner-city school, where she brought patience, warmth, and inspiration to her classes. As part of an exchange program, she spent a year abroad as the Assistant Principal at the American School of Guatemala.
After twenty years of teaching, Maureen moved to Miami, Florida. She became active in the Military Affairs Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. It was at a Committee meeting that she met her future husband, then-Captain Richard (Dick) Appelbaum of the United States Coast Guard. Maureen and Dick were married in Nashville on September 24, 1988.
Dick’s military assignments took the couple to Ohio, the national capital area, and California. Maureen participated energetically in Dick’s assignments, traveling with him throughout the United States, as well as internationally. She interfaced with tens of thousands. When visiting Coast Guard units, she always met with spouses and children of military personnel, listening to their concerns, providing counsel and comfort, and finding solutions to their problems. She attended (and often hosted) numerous domestic and international official events.
Upon Dick’s retirement from active duty in 1996, the couple settled in Northern Virginia.
In December of 2023, Maureen embraced her most rewarding task. She was appointed guardian of her two youngest grandchildren following the passing of their father. She met this responsibility with the same selflessness, strength, and deep love that guided her throughout her life.
Maureen was known for her ever-present smile, friendliness, grace, and caring kindness.
Maureen was predeceased by her parents, stepson, Paul, and brother-in-law, Howard Fisher. She is survived by: her loving husband; stepsons Kevin Appelbaum and David Appelbaum (Deanna); grandchildren Kyle (Deziree), Keith (Annie), Addison, Aaliyah, and Richard Appelbaum; sister, Roberta Carr Fisher; niece, Berett Fisher Trachtenberg (Eric); nephews, Randy (Rabbi Robyn) and David Fisher; and grandnieces and grandnephews.
A memorial service was held for Maureen at Congregation Adat Reyim, in Springfield, Virginia, on March 19, 2026. She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m., on May 28, 2026.
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This obituary was published by The Washington Post.
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