Obituary of Mary Jane Maher

Mary Jane, or Jane as her friends knew her, was born and raised in Hollidaysburg, PA in 1923 to Mary and William McDonnell. She moved to Philadelphia at age 18 to work for the government during the war. She married Albert "Whitey" Maher and had two children, Karen and Patricia, and they raised their family in the Andorra section of Philadelphia. After staying home for many years, Jane worked as a secretary in the Math department at Drexel University. Al and Jane moved to Avalon, NJ in 1976 where they both enjoyed some work, walks on the beach, the salt air and summers with a house full of family and fun. They were fortunate to spend their winters in Florida. After the love of her life, Al, died in 2006, Jane became a member of the Senior Community Center in Avalon where she met many friends and passed the time playing Spite and Malice card games, wii bowling, and took cooking and exercise classes. Jane was a very good seamstress and knitter, an avid reader, and she loved to attend concerts at her beloved Avalon Library. For the past year and a half Jane has been residing in an assisted living facility near her daughters. The staff always remarked that Mary Jane or " MJ" was pleasant, sweet, easy going, funny and brought joy to their days. Mary Jane died peacefully after enjoying her day to the fullest, this truly being her last loving gift to her family. Mary Jane is survived by her two daughters, Karen Gryn (Felix) and Patricia Turner (Steven who died in 2013), and a brother, William McDonnell. She is survived by her 5 grandchildren: Shannon Severin (Will), Kimberly Moffat (Kevin), Alicia Turner, Carrie Stokley (Rob), and Bridget Turner. There are 3 great grandchildren, Katherine, Michael and Christopher, and a baby boy great grandchild due in June. There will be a viewing on Tuesday May 19 from 1-2:30pm at the Lownes Family Funeral Home,659 Germantown Pike,Lafayette Hill Pa. with a prayer service at 2:30pm. The burial will take place on Thursday May 21 at 11am at the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery in Cape May Court House NJ. Memorial donations may be made to the Helen L.Dillar Home For the Blind-127, 26th St. Avalon,NJ 08202 or the Avalon Library.