Obituary of Barbara A. Maher

With grace and dignity Barbara, wife of Gerry Maher, Quispamsis, daughter of Melvin and Annette (Gallant) Blanchard, Saint John, passed away on April 15, 2008 after a heroic struggle with cancer. Barb was born on May 8, 1954 in Alberton, PEI. She attended early school at St. Rose and Beaconsfield and attended art classes at Vocational School. In later life she studied art with Shirley Hickman and Herzel Kashetshy. Barb made many friends over her life through her caring and kind manner. She enjoyed her work at Lockhart’s and Kent Builders but especially enjoyed her relationship with Fran and Jim Coloris in real estate. She was board treasurer for Kennebecasis Valley Association for Community Living. After marriage to Gerry, Barb became a homemaker and full time mother to Jennifer, Crystal (Cliff Godsoe) and Matthew. When Crystal gave birth to Austin, then Emma Rose, Barb relished her role as “Grandma”. She leaves behind her father and mother, sister Donna LeBlanc, Saint John, (nieces Renee and Andrea); brothers Barry (Sharon), Kars, (nephew Michael, niece Stacey); Ricky (Cindy), Saint John, (nephews Jesse and Jay); Dwayne (Sandra), Grand Bay-Westfield; Randy (Debbie Barrett); Darrell (Sherry) (nieces Ashley and Theresa); and Darren (Karen Burr) of Saint John. Barb was a true sister to Gerry's family of brother Bob and sisters Judy, Betty, Patricia, Florence and Audrey. She had a wonderful 30 year friendship with Davina and Deanna Weaver. She was especially fond of animals and will be missed by her beloved shit-zu's Jake and Toby. Thanks to Drs. Peter West, Margo Burnell and Hugh Scarth and to the caring, professional nurses on 4C North, 4C South, 5A South and the ICU team at the SJRH. Also, thanks to the caring pastoral team of the Catholic Diocese of Saint John, especially those from St. Mark’s Parish of Quispamsis. Barb will be resting at Kennebecasis Select Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB (849-2119) with visitation Thursday and Friday 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Saint John, on Saturday at 11:00am. Interment will take place in PEI, at a later date. Memorials to the Canadian Cancer Society, Community Autism Centre in Saint John, Kennebecasis Valley Association for Community Living or to the Canadian Celiac Association, would be greatly appreciated by the family.