It is with a heavy heart that we share the news, Maureen A. Sousa of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, passed out of this life, unexpectedly on December 8, 2021. Maureen's passing is a devastating loss to her sons, Jason Murphy and Bryan Murphy and also, Bryans wife Anne and their daughter Jane. Maureen married Anthony Sousa, formerly of Melrose, Massachusetts, in August of 1988. They enjoyed travelling and gathering with friends and family. She was the love of his life, partner and best friend for over 37 years. She was stepmother to his children, Colleen Passamonti, Stacie French and Michelle Powers. Maureen leaves behind six beautiful grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Maureen was a talented artist and worked in various mediums. She created beautiful drawings, paintings and crafts. One of her porcelain pieces has been on display in the White House. Maureen was born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, where she graduated from St. Mary's. She was the daughter of Joseph Russell and Barbara (Ahearn) Russell. She grew up with her siblings, the late Joe Russell, her brother, Chris Russell and her sister Kate Fenton (Russell). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 10:00AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. There are no visiting hours and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @ www.stjude.org.