Providing hope to carry on Scholarship honors legacy of Maureen Fielder

Downriver students now have a new scholarship to help pay the costs of college, and advance the legacy of one who died too soon.

One of her dearest mentors was Steve Sims, who brought out the best in her, and led her to great success in her own career as a teacher and coach.

years of high school. She truly made a difference in the lives of her students,” said one student.

awarded annually to an applicant who must be:

BILL STEVENSON

The family of the late Maureen Fielder has established a scholarship in her memory and will offer the opportunity to a high school graduate or college student who “demonstrates the same passion for life, determination, work ethic and community spirit” that she did throughout her life.

Maureen Fielder, died suddenly in January, 2022 at the age of 43.

Maureen was an outstanding scholar and athlete who graduated from Grosse Ile High School, known for her tenacity, sharp wit, and leadership abilities. But, behind her fierce, competitive persona was a kind, sensitive, empathic soul who devoted her life to helping others.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree from John Carroll University and a Master’s from Marygrove College in the Art of Teaching.

Maureen taught mathematics at Best Middle School in Dearborn, Southgate Anderson, Grosse Ile Middle School, Marian H.S., and Gabriel Richard H.S., touching hundreds of lives in her students.

She later worked in the restaurant business, and real estate, bringing her dedication, work ethic and professionalism to those she served.

When she died unexpectedly last year, her students gave tribute, saying, “Ms. Fielder was always quick with her humor and sharp with her math. She taught her students in a unique way by breaking the complicated concepts into ‘Ms. Fielder’s Simple Steps’ that were far more manageable.

I had her (for) three of my four

“She taught more than math, and coached more than distance running. She really cared about us and wanted all of us to succeed,” said another.

Fielder also excelled in distance running, finishing many marathons, and qualified for and competed in the Boston Marathon in addition to coaching track and cross country. She was a fixture in the News-Herald Track and Field Championships, both as a prep competitor and as a mentor to young athletes.

Gone, too soon. Sudden death. Such pain and anguish to all who knew and loved her.

So out of the depths of grief and sorrow, her parents, Keith and Ann, and brother John Paul thought: “What can we do to honor the life and legacy of our dear Maureen?”

And, the Maureen Fielder Legacy Scholarship was born.

The $2,500 scholarship, will be

~ A student in their senior year of high school, or a freshman, sophomore, or junior in college.

~ Accepted and attending a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school.

~ In good academic standing (overall GPA 3.0 or above) with no serious disciplinary issues.

~ A student who demonstrates a passion for life, a strong work ethic, determination, and community-centric values.

~ Respected by their peers, teachers, and coaches (if applicable).

The deadline for applications is April 11, 2023. Application forms can be found at: maureenfielderscholarship.com.

We should all remember Maureen’s life in her favorite line from the Oak Ridge Boys’ song: “When you give it away, it all comes back tenfold they say.” too.