On November 10, 2024, Ann Maher passed away in Tarpon Springs, Florida, at the age of 75. She leaves behind her daughter Alison (Manny Rumsey), her son Jonathan, and her grandson Bret (Buggy). Additionally, Ann is survived by her sister Cindy (Bobby) Brooks, her brother Rob (Julie) Standish, her sister-in-law Denise (Bob Virkler), her brothers-in-law Bill (Jamie), Bob, and Mark. Seventeen nieces and nephews and their spouses and children complete the extended family of survivors. Ann loved her Michael, Alison, and Jonathan. Ann loved Christmas. Ann loved plants, flowers, the ocean, the morning light and the setting sun. Ann loved that “Old Time Rock and Roll.” Ann loved her friends.

Born in the Utica area on December 23, 1948, Ann Standish graduated from Whitesboro High School where she first met Michael Maher. They both attended SUNY Potsdam, were married during their junior year, and after graduation eventually settled in the Binghamton area. They began their teaching careers in 1972 and purchased an old Victorian house where they made over 40 years of memories and raised their two children Alison and Jonathan, the heart of their lives. Ann taught 7th and 8th grade English for the Maine-Endwell School District where, except for a brief interlude, she remained until her retirement in 2008. With a smile and that unforgettable laugh, Ann opened many young minds to new ideas. Her students will long remember logic puzzles, grammar rules, and the words to “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Never afraid to stand up for what was right, Ann could be a fierce advocate. Her door at school and at home was always open to anyone who needed help; she listened, comforted, supported, researched, gave advice, and mostly gave of herself.

Ann was also a woman of many creative talents. She opened a unique children’s clothing store called Lilliput on the 3rd floor of their home, eventually moving the business to the Metro Center. Both Ann and Michael taught themselves how to work with stained glass and grew a business they called Candy Glassworks. During the summer months they traveled to juried craft shows and sold the stained glass art they created. Ann always had a knack for colors and design and could have been a professional decorator, which was clearly evident in their historic home.

Ann lived life to the fullest, including any challenges she encountered. She was a complex, kind, and strong woman who drew people to her. She could be very persistent when she made up her mind. More than once her friends were roped into an adventure they resisted and ended up with great memories. Those who loved Ann will fondly remember her laugh, her “lemonade,” and her favorite term of endearment for you, “A-hole.”

Ann was predeceased by her husband Michael, and they are now together again; her parents, Judy and Bret Standish; her in-laws, Ruthena and William Maher; and her much loved dogs –  Yage, Cedric, Chessie, Moocher, Georgie, and Bailey. If you wish to make a donation in Ann’s memory, please choose a charity of your choice or one that supports the many victims of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.