The Essendon Football Club is mourning the passing of club volunteer Maureen Duggan, who lost her battle with leukaemia today.

The club wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the Duggan family.

Maureen generously devoted her time to the club fulfilling a range of volunteer roles over many years.

Together with Peter Bateman, Maureen founded the Bomber Shop at Windy Hill.  She was a cheerful and welcoming presence at the club’s reception desk.  

Maureen’s most recent volunteering role at the club has been in the football department, supporting the members of the playing group.  Her task of preparing meals for the boys saw them develop a great affection and respect for her contribution.  The players have expressed their great sadness at Maureen’s passing.  They recall Maureen as a caring and selfless member of the Essendon family.

Captain Jobe Watson has paid tribute to Maureen.  “Maureen was my player sponsors for 10 years.  News of her passing today is very sad.  I know just how much she cared for the players and the time she devoted to us.”

Asked to recall Maureen’s contribution to the club, fellow volunteer Julie Hewes said: “A valued and greatly loved member of the volunteer community Maureen will be greatly missed, never forgotten.”

It seems appropriate to cite a quote from Elizabeth Andrew:  “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”  Maureen brought a great deal of heart and time to our club.  We will miss her warm and wonderful presence.

A memorial service for Maureen will be held on Monday 23 December 2013 at 11 am at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ascot Vale.  Please refer to newspapers for details.