Margery Regina "Jeanne" Maher

Margery Regina "Jeanne" Maher

Tipton

Margery Regina “Jeanne” Maher, 85, of Tipton, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, after a brief illness. Jeanne was born in Oxford Junction on Jan. 21, 1938, to Chester and Florence (Gerlich) Rouse. She was the ninth of 10 children and was given her nickname by her older brother. Before elementary school her family moved to Clarence where her father owned a creamery, and her mother was a homemaker. There were many stories to tell with 10 kids and their childhood escapades. Jeanne always remembered her very first day of school with her broken arm in a cast as she tried to keep up with her brothers. She graduated from Clarence High School.

Following high school, she began working at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids. Jeanne met Donald Maher on a blind date, and they married on Jan. 11, 1958. Donald and Jeanne moved to Tipton where they would reside the rest of their lives. After the birth of their first child, Jeanne stayed home raising four children and worked jobs that allowed her to always keep kids and family first. She was the bookkeeper/office manager for Maher Plumbing & Heating, the family business. She was a Cub Scout leader, taught second grade religion education, managed the summer city pool, and volunteered at countless swim meets and school activities. Jeanne volunteered for Meals on Wheels and donated blood regularly. She loved to help elderly neighbors and was always active with quilting, canning, pickles, baking, and especially making candy at Christmas (her favorite time of the year). Jeanne was a member of Tri Sigmas Women’s Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the St. Mary’s Guild. She could often be heard cheering for the Hawks in every sport. Jeanne was very interested in health and wellness, walked daily, supported every sport for her kids and grandkids, and always made summers fun. Together, Don and Jeanne knew the importance of education and always made it a priority.

Jeanne is survived by her four children, Jodi (Jeff) Suchomel of Tipton, Iowa; Dr. David (Sara) Maher of Decorah, Iowa; Michael (Mary Jane) Maher of Anamosa, Iowa; and Dr. Jill (Wayne) Flory of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Rachel, Meritt, Hannah, Mary Kathryn, Kelsey, Josh, Emma, Canoe and Lauren; five great-grandchildren with two on the way; brothers, Tom and John, and a sister, Gladys.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; and siblings Chet, Ray, Mike, Mary, Betty and Annie.

Jeanne donated her body to the University of Iowa deeded body program. A Mass and get-together will be planned this summer.

Memorials may be made to the Tipton Summer Recreation program, your local Red Cross, or take time to donate blood.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.