Elizabeth "Betty" Maher

Elizabeth "Betty" Maher passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2018, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was 88 years old. Betty was born on April 11, 1930 in her Grandmother's home in Walker, Iowa, the daughter of Walter and Mae Zieser. She had many fond memories of her early years, spending time with her many relatives in town and her many pets on the family farm. After graduation she moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and worked as a telephone operator and a legal secretary, and loved dancing to the many big bands of the era. During this time she met Richard "Dick" Maher, who would become her loving husband of sixty years. Dick preceded her in death on January 24, 2016, and they were reunited one day after their 63rd anniversary. Betty is survived by their five children, Mike (Julie) of Trumbull, CT, Ann (Gary) Gorton, also of Trumbull, Tom Maher, of Houston Texas, Katie Maher of Trumbull, and Patrick Maher of Fairfield. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Thomas (Shannon), Megan, Christopher, Ryan, Emma and Kaitlyn Gorton, and by her sister, Jean Greif of Coggon, Iowa, sister-in-law Gloria Fagan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, brother-in law and sister-in-law Jim and Rosemary Maher of Overland Park, Kansas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty and Dick began their family in Illinois and, upon his promotion to GTE headquarters, moved to Fairfield, CT where she resided for the next 47 active years. In addition to raising her family Betty worked as the evening switchboard operator at St. Vincent's Medical Center for 25 years, where her nightly reading of the closing prayer earned her the nickname of "Sister Betty". Betty was also a master craftsperson who excelled at anything she put a needle or a brush to, creating many fine works over the years. She loved going to shops and tag sales, but mostly enjoyed laughing and spending time with her family and friends. Betty was a sweet, good hearted woman who to the end brought a smile to those who met her, she will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, June 15th at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road in Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 16th at Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road in Fairfield. Burial will follow at Lawncroft Cemetery on Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Cambridge Manor, whose dedicated care brought comfort to Betty and her family during the past year.
We love and miss you Mom. 2428!