Madge L. Maher
February 26, 2008

Madge L. Maher,

Madge Louise Maher, daughter of Edward and Hannah Anastasia (Foley) Martin, was born on July 28, 1910, on the family farm east of Imogene, Iowa. She passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa, at the age of 97.

Growing up in rural Imogene, Madge received her early education at Goff country school. She attended high school in Shenandoah, graduating with the Shenandoah High School Class of 1928. Following high school, she attended business school in Omaha, Nebraska. Upon graduating from business school in 1929, she returned home to help her father and uncle because of the Great Depression and lack of jobs. In the 30's she took over all of the household duties when her mother's health declined. Madge continued to care for her mother until she passed away in 1944.

On April 4, 1951, Madge was united in marriage to Patrick Thomas Maher at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. Following their marriage she and Patrick continued to live with and care for her uncle and father. Her Uncle Mike passed away in 1957 and her father passed away in 1960. Together, she and Patrick continued to live on the farm until Patrick's death in 1989 after 38 years of marriage. Madge continued to live on the home farm until September of 2007 when she entered the Good Samaritan Care Center in Red Oak, Iowa. Madge was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church where she was active in the Altar and Rosary Societies holding numerous offices. Reading, cooking, gardening and playing pitch brought great enjoyment to Madge. Her special interests were her family, neighbors and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Patrick; uncle, Michael Martin; sisters, Mabel Anderson and her husband Oscar, Nellie Gleason and her husband Tom, and Edna Martin; brothers-in-law, Francis Hughes and Francis Maher; and brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Helen Maher. She is survived by her son, Marty Maher and his wife Wanda of Imogene, IA; four grandchildren, Marie Phillips and her husband Matt of Muscatine, IA, Julie Maher of Eden Prairie, MN, John Maher of Pella, IA, and Lisa Maher of Imogene, IA; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Hughes and Wilma Maher, both of Shenandoah, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held from the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene on Friday, February 29, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Celebrant was Father Ken Gross. Eucharistic Ministers were Darwin Bugg, Paul Whannell, and Marie Trout. Altar Servers were Kenny Young and Kyle Madison. Lector was Sandy Bugg. Organist was Mary Beth Gowing and Vocalist was Anne McDonald. Gift Bearers were Marie Phillips, Matt Phillips, Julie Maher, John Maher, and Lisa Maher. Honorary Casket Bearers were Vern Lightfoot, Carroll Gutschenritter, Carl Maher, Bud Laughlin, Michael Delehant, Jim McDonald, John McDonald, Marty Laughlin, Dave Naegele, and John Kasper. Casket Bearers were Jerry McDonald, Duane Madison, Rob Lightfoot, Jim Gutschenritter, Blaine Maher, and Joe Jordan. Interment was in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Imogene. Memorials in Madge's name are being directed to the charity of the donor's choice.

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