Maureen Minnick: 'She was Such a Giving Person'

Maureen Minnick, 40, of Monroe, a married mother of two and a teacher at Fairfield Woods Middle School, lost her battle with breast cancer last year, but friends and family keep her memory alive by raising money for cancer research.

Last year, they formed the team "Miles for Mo" and ran in the Cancer Care 5K race in Fairfield, and a lemonade fundraiser at Monroe's Farmers' Market is becoming an annual tradition.

Last Friday, Minnick's two boys, Henry, 11, and Sean, 9, sold lemonade at the market with other children from their neighborhood for 50 cents a cup. All proceeds went to Connecticut Challenge for Cancer Survivors.

Laureen Moreno, a friend of the family, said, "We did the same thing last year. She was such a giving person, who cared so much more for others than herself. This is a good way to honor her, by giving to others."

Minnick's husband Steve was also part of the effort and her sister, Kathleen Roberge of Monroe, also lent her support Friday. Roberge said the venue for the fundraiser was an appropriate place to honor Minnick.

"She loved the farmers' market," Roberge said. "She absolutely loved it. She was here every Friday. It's overwhelming how her friends are such supporters — and the support lasts a year later."