Stephanie Maher
August 27, 2022
Stephanie Maher, 65, passed away in Ankeny on August 27, 2022. She was born June 24, 1957, to Dan and Patricia (Longo) Maher, the fifth of ten children in their family. From the start, Stephanie stood out in the family with her blonde hair and blue eyes.
Stephanie graduated from Mingo High School in 1975 and attended Ottumwa Heights Stephanie graduated from Mingo High School in 1975 and attended Ottumwa Heights Junior College, graduating in 1977. She started working as a computer operator for the State of Iowa in 1977 while she completed her B.A. from Grand View College. During this time, she began volunteering as a court appointed special advocate in the Iowa CASA Program.
Always having a love of animals, Stephanie started sharing her dog as a therapy volunteer at Des Moines General Hospital. She followed baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs and was the biggest fan of Willie Nelson. She enjoyed attending the sporting events of her nieces and nephews. Stephanie had a generous heart, and treasured the time she spent with loved ones during holidays and family gatherings.
Those left to honor Stephanie’s memory are siblings, Shannon (Cathy) Maher, Shelley Chambers, Kevin (Kelly) Maher, Mike (Missy) Maher, Stacy (Bill) Mikesell, Brendan Maher, Melanie Maher, and Reagan Maher; an uncle, Kenneth Bohney; numerous nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister, Anne-Patrice; a nephew, Gunnar Mikesell; sister-in-law, Becky Maher; and brother-in-law, Dick Chambers.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2022, with a 7:30 p.m. Vigil Service, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 3, at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1102 NW Weigel Drive, in Ankeny. Burial will be at Colfax Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport, 4002 Ash Street, De Soto, Iowa 50069 or St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1102 NW Weigel Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kate Murphy
09/14/2022
Aaawww Steph
You will be so missed. Just heard this sad news. You were one of the first friends in my new home for our All Saints faith small group. You could create any and all things beautiful with yarn and were so generous gifting all your creations. You never met an animal who didnt benefit from your TLC and loved to share the fun stories of your siblings and their children. (You were the best Auntie!) After you beat back cancer prayed we could selfishly keep you longer rest well my friend- you are so fondly remembered for your unfailing faith, all of your hard work and the many, many kindnesses you shared.
Glenda Noring Swegle
09/09/2022
My condolences to her loved ones. Stephanie was a kind soul to everyone back in our school days. We occasionally ran into each other at Grandview College. I kept her address from my alumni invite several years ago and regret not writing her. May she Rest In Peace with our loving father.
Rosemary Brady
09/02/2022
Dear Maher Family,
Stephanie was my neighbor at Briarwood. I am so sorry for your loss, she is gone too soon. May she Rest In Peace.
Sincerely, Rosemary Brady
Trisha Stevenson
09/02/2022
Mike Maher & family I am so sorry for your loss I know how much family means to you. I didn't know Stephanie but she sure sounds like she was a great loving and giving person. Sending prayers
Chloe Maher
09/01/2022
Aunt Stephanie- Thank you for always being so kind to me and thinking of me, you made me my first pink blanket when I was a baby and that one turned into a rag because I carried it EVERYWHERE but now Im 22 and I still have a pink blanket and the new one you made for me for graduation. I would always be so excited to see you when I was in Iowa and wish I couldve saw you again. Rest In Peace. I am thinking of all my great aunts and uncles as well, love you guys.
Barb Jones
09/01/2022
Stephanie was a loving, kind person. She was strong in her faith, love of her family and community! Now She will be at all of Willies Concerts! Prayers for family and friends!
Marsha Von Ruden
08/31/2022
I worked with Stephanie for many years. She could be a very fun person. It's too bad she was called home so early. I'm sorry for your loss.
Connie Ruggless
08/31/2022
My sympathies to the family at the loss of Stephanie. Prayers for comfort and peace for you.
John Eure
08/30/2022
I worked with Stephanie in the Hoover Building, starting with the Midnight - 8:30 shift. I ran into her at church (if I happened to be in her parish) and Willie concerts. It was great to know her. May God bless her soul.
Kay Tilton
08/30/2022
Both my husband and I worked with Stephanie many years. She will certainly be missed.
Mike Wagner
08/30/2022
Shelley and Family , I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Sister Stephanie! She was a wonderful person! Too young to be taken away! If you need anything at all please let me know!
June Anderson McGowan
08/30/2022
Mike and family, I am sorry for the loss of your sister. We had much in common, loving animals and Willie. Hang on to your wonderful memories.
Barb Navin
08/30/2022
Shelley and family, I am so sorry at the loss of your sister. My condolences to you. I am thinking of you in this difficult time.
Sincerely, Barb Navin