Patricia Maher

Patricia (Longo) Maher a resident of Des Moines since 1993, passed away January 12, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 16, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52 Ave. Des Moines with burial at 1:30 p.m. at the Colfax Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 Monday, January 15 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Patricia was born in Des Moines, IA, graduated from East High School, and began working for the Des Moines Register. Patricia was united in marriage on October 2, 1948 to Dan T. Maher and moved to a dairy farm near Mingo. She became a busy farm wife and along with her husband raised 9 children. She was involved with her children’s school, church, 4-H, and athletic events, and especially enjoyed watching her sons play football.
In 1974, the family moved to Newton, where she worked as teacher’s aide and a site
manager for Congregate Meals. Patricia was involved in the Volunteer Program for the Newton Schools and Skiff Medical Center.
Patricia was a lifelong Frank Sinatra fan. She enjoyed the ocean and traveling to such places as South America and Hawaii. She also enjoyed Broadway musicals, attending productions at the Civic Center, and watching football games.
Survivors include nine children: Shannon (Becky) Maher of Mingo, Shelley (Dick) Chambers of Des Moines, Kevin (Kelly) Maher of Ames, Michael (Missy) Maher of West Des Moines, Stephanie Maher of Des Moines; Stacy (Bill) Mikesell of Tualatin, OR, Brendan (Gretchen) Maher of Mankato, MN, Melanie Maher of West Des Moines, and Reagan Maher of Des Moines. Patricia is survived by sixteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Arthur (Jean) Longo. Preceding her in death were Dan T. Maher, an infant daughter, Ann Patrice and her parents, Joseph and Marye (Colbert) Longo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Association.

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