Florence Maher (Johnston)
Florence peacefully passed away at her home after a brief battle with cancer on Monday, September 16, 2024 at the age of 85.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Ed, her son Thomas Maher and daughter-in-law Loretta Maher. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Patrick Johnston and Irene Greer. Her sister Helen Behan survives her. Florence is survived by her children: Christine (Dan) Moore, Edwin Maher and Jacquelyne (Ralph) Mazza. She leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Eric Mazza, Jessica (Mike) Gulcharan, James (Amanda) Maher, Luke Maher, Connor (Anna) Moore, Danielle (Dan) Hubbel, Christopher Moore and Mary Moore. Florence was also blessed with 3 great grandchildren: Edwin and Mark Hubbel and Liam Moore.
Florence was born on June 21, 1939 in New York City. She happily grew up near Central Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. When Florence was in the 8th grade her family moved to the borough of Queens to Rockaway Beach where they had spent wonderful summers by the beach which was the start of her lifelong love of the beautiful ocean. She spent the best years of her life there enjoying the stunning sunsets on Jamaica Bay from her kitchen window. Florence attended Ascension Elementary School as well as Stella Maris High School in Rockaway. In later years, Florence earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from St. John’s University. Florence was a stay-at-home mom until her children attended high school. She worked at St. John’s Hospital, St. John’s University and Beach Channel High School until her retirement in 2007.
In October of 1960 Florence married the love of her life Edwin Maher. They raised their four children in Neponsit a few blocks from the beach where they spent summers enjoying the sun and sand and ocean. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in 2020 and they truly did everything together and were devoted to each other until Ed passed away in July 2021. In July of 2016, Florence and Ed moved to Fairport to be able to live next door to their daughter Christine and her family. Florence did not want to leave her beloved Rockaway Beach behind but knew she needed help with Ed who was showing signs of dementia. They assimilated well into life in Rochester and had many good times and laughs. The highlight of Florence’s days was starting her day at daily Mass at Church of the Resurrection where she met a wonderful and friendly group of parishioners who made her feel very welcome.
Florence had a strong spirit and loved her Catholic faith, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her beloved cat Bootsie and enjoyed sunny afternoons at her pool in the summer. Mom also loved spending time with and talking on the phone with her high school best friends Mary Mundy and Betty Tator with whom she had a lifelong friendship with their laughter being heard from miles away! She will be deeply missed. May she rest in His Peace, reunited with her beloved Ed and son Thomas and family members and friends who went before her.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday September 23, 2024 from 4-6 pm at the Richard Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road in Fairport. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 1 pm at Church of the Resurrection, 63 Mason Road, Fairport. A burial will take place on September 26, 2024 at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY.
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