Born on March 19, 1934, and growing up working on a farm in rural Crossard, County Mayo, Ireland, Veronica Josephine Muldoon, née O’Connor, would transform into a free-spirited young woman in snazzy 1950s Manhattan, NY, which would then lead her to a life in exclusive Westchester County. She lived an eventful 92 years and passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at her home. Employed as a secretary for several corporations after graduating from high school, then by the Yorktown Central School District for 23 years, and later by the John C. Hart Memorial Library for more than a decade, she was no stranger to hard work. She embraced life with a joyful zest and immeasurable love. Her passions included Irish music, dancing, cooking, Pinot Grigio, her Catholic faith, her four children, five grandchildren, great-grand child, nephews, nieces, juicy gossip, a well-cooked roast, classic movies, and always a good story. She cherished her friends, her parents, Bridget and Michael O’Connor, her siblings and most of all, the love of her life, the charming Mickey Muldoon, to whom she was wed for 69 years.
She adored Ireland. Despite growing up during the world-wide depression, her Ireland was a land of storytelling and music, filled with family and friends. As a young woman, she was enchanted with fast-paced Manhattan, where a stylish and determined young immigrant could earn her own salary and build new skills in a swanky downtown office — a world away from the rustic farm in County Mayo. Here too, she had friends and family, and one Saturday eve, dancing the night away with the handsome, debonair Muldoon, she returned home, dressed to the nines, only to find her curmudgeonly father awake. Thinking quickly, she said she was dressed to join him for early mass, delaying for several hours the opportunity to lay down her well-coiffed head for a much needed rest.
Once married, the smart young couple split their time between historic Yonkers and fashionable Lake Ronkonkoma and began to raise a family. When they found their forever home, this street-smart gal adapted to the slow-paced rhythms of bucolic Yorktown Heights, which she affectionately referred to as “the sticks”. After years of navigating the subway and buses of the busy city, Veronica learned to take her turn driving behind the wheel of an automobile in order to navigate the suburban landscape. She remained a careful driver even until her final year, though in later years she refused to make a left-hand turn (too dangerous!). Although two wrongs do not make a right, gentle reader, 3 right-hand turns make a left.
She voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean numerous times, visiting Ireland, England, Germany, and Italy, and also traveled to many of the U.S. states. Veronica was a long-time member of the Irish-American Social Club, relishing the opportunity to socialize with her companions and march in Manhattan's St. Patrick’s Day Parade until she was well into her 80s. She volunteered at her parish, St. Patrick’s Church in Yorktown, first as a member of the Altar & Rosary Society and then performing the role of Eucharist Minister. Many owe her a debt of gratitude. Whether it is for cooking something delicious to share (especially her world famous Irish soda bread), helping with the raising of her grandchildren, or offering words of kindness when most needed, those who were touched by the generosity of her spirit will never forget. She was truly a woman filled with love that she was more than eager to share. She is survived by her children: Marianne Muldoon (Charles Roberts), Veronica Shankland (the late Mark Shankland), Michael J. Muldoon (Melinda O’Brien), and Kathleen Muldoon (Vincent (Viaggio); her grandchildren, James Shankland (Michelle Shankland), Connor Forte, Declan Forte, Kileen Forte, and Liam Roberts; and her great-grandson Bradley Shankland. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their children, all of whom she cherished deeply. Her stories, laughter, and fierce love for family and friends will live on in all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Let it Shine, a local charity that supports Westchester families with food, community programs, and cancer support. letitshineonline.com
