Jean Marie Maher

Jean Marie Maher, 66, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2018. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 14, 1952 to Bill and Ruth Maher and was the youngest of 3 children. She grew up in New Jersey, graduated high school in 1970, then moved to Albuquerque to go to UNM to get her degree in Physical Education. She worked in the Dominican Republic for a year, and Jemez Pueblo for 3 years, prior to moving back to Albuquerque to earn her master’s degree. Jean worked for Albuquerque Public Schools as an inspirational PE and Adapted PE teacher for 30 years before retiring.

Jean enjoyed life and adventures! She was very active and involved in many sports and activities. She volunteered as an instructor for the Beyond Limits Adaptive Sports Camp for 15 years, also serving as assistant director for a few years. She also volunteered as an instructor in the Adaptive Ski Program in Albuquerque and Santa Fe for many years. Jean was an active member of her Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, current President of LAWGA (Los Altos Women’s Golf Association), current Vice-President of the 9-hole golf group at Puerto del Sol and past President of the Wilde Bunche Square Dance Club.

She was an avid international traveler. She spoke Spanish and enjoyed birding, hiking, camping, golfing, dancing, and hanging out with people. She had the most incredible, bright, infectious, unforgettable smile. She had a loving and caring heart, she loved people and dogs.

Jean is survived by her sister, Carol Graham (Rob); niece, Christine Graham-Morales (Jeff), nephew, Robbie, two great-nephews, Tyler and Cole; cousins; her dog, Ebony; many, many friends; Mary Young her partner of over 7 years; and her best friend of over 40 years, Lin Squires. Lin and Mary walked Jean’s final life journey with her loving her every step of the way. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, Billy.

Memorial Services will be held Sunday, November 11, 2018, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH – Wyoming with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be given to a Jean Maher memorial fund to fund a memorial at the Rio Grande Nature Center where Jean was a dedicated volunteer. Information about how to do this will be provided later in the week at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jean-maher.