Margaret Ann (Davis) Maher

Margaret Ann Maher (Margie), 89, is now at rest after a lifetime of service to others. She passed away in Ann Arbor, MI on March 27, 2014. Margaret was born April 3, 1924 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of the late John Benight Davis and late Marion Edna (Meyers) Davis who lived on Grant Street in Marion, IN. She was the cherished baby sister of siblings now deceased, Florence (Davis) Stillman, who lived in Duluth MN, and the late John Davis, who lived in Indianapolis, IN.

Margaret's father moved the family frequently for his agriculture based work, until they settled in Warren, IN for several years, where she tended turkeys on the family farm. She graduated from Salamonie Township High School in 1942 as the class Salutatorian.

Her birth in the 1920s made Margaret one of the "The Greatest Generation" -- those who transcended the Great Depression and united the Country through selfless heroic acts during the 2nd World War. In perhaps her first and proudest service, she enlisted in the Womens Army Corps after high school, despite her mother's trepidation. Margaret was inspired to enlist because her brother John had been injured in the war and she felt the need to step in to take his place. She achieved the rank of Corporal in the United States Army-Air Force, and her primary duty assignment was as a radio operator based in Miami, FL. There she met the love of her life, Peter Maher, also in the Army Air Force.

After the war years, Margaret returned to Marion, IN with Peter, her New York born husband, and worked for a time as a telephone operator. Notwithstanding the nine children she and Peter raised, her commitment and service to others continued as a volunteer to numerous local organizations, much of it along with Peter. She shared her time and talents generously at Carey Services, the PTA for St. Paul's schools and the St. Martin Community Center. She served on the board of Special Olympics of Grant County, and was a volunteer CASA (court appointed special advocate) for abused and neglected children. Margaret also organized and managed a local food co-operative.

When her youngest child started school, Margaret put her skills and compassion to work as a Special Education Teacher's Aide for the Marion Community Schools.

As members of St. Paul Catholic Church, Marion, both Margaret and Pete served as
lay ministers who distributed communion during mass and sick visits. They were active participants in the third Order of St. Francis, dedicated to performing charitable acts for parishioners and others in need, including local migrant workers. They assisted couples through the Marriage Encounter program, as few other role models could. Margaret and Pete were married for 61 years.

Her last two years were spent in Ann Arbor, MI, with daughter Elaine and granddaughter Sophia as constant companions, caregivers and angels of comfort in Margaret's final days.

Peter and infant son James predeceased Margaret.

She is survived by three daughters: Mary Beth Maher of Marion, Elaine Maher of Ann Arbor, MI and Teresa Massa of Hobart, IN; Six sons: Daniel Maher (Linda) of Valdese, NC; Patrick Maher (Nancy) of Arvada, CO; Christopher Maher (Carol) of Zionsville, IN; Timothy Maher of Anderson, IN; John Maher (Nancy) of Westfield, IN; Joseph Maher (Inger) of Sacramento, CA; Sister-in-Law Betty Davis of Indianapolis, Brother-in-Law, Thomas Maher (Gloria) of Naples, FL; Grandchildren, Michael Maher, Ryan (Justine) Maher, Doug (Jade) Maher, Sean Maher, Phillip Maher, Suzanne (Sean) Biesendorfer, Sophia Maher, Evan Maher, Matthew Maher, Corbin Massa, Amanda Maher, Gregory Maher, Connor Maher, Riley Peter Maher, Roscoe Tysell Maher and Anna Lucia Maher; and Great-Grandchildren, Ian Maher, Jacen Patrick Maher, Fiona Margaret Maher and Finley Daniel Maher, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 31, 2014, at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1009 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana with Father Richard Weisenberger officiating.

Burial will follow in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Special Olympics of Grant County Indiana or the St. Martin Community Center.

Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com