Elizabeth "Lilly" Maher

Elizabeth “Lilly” (McDonnell) Maher

May 7, 1937 – August 11, 2026

Elizabeth “Lilly” (McDonnell) Maher, a beloved and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, godmother and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of the family who meant everything to her.

Lilly was born on May 7, 1937, in Munakill, County Leitrim, Ireland, to Eileen and Francis McDonnell. One of ten children, she shared a lifelong bond with her siblings: Mary, the late Eileen Donohue, Frank, the late Jim, Breege, Paddy, Teresa Norry, Sean, and the late Desmond.

At just 17 years old, Lilly left her home in Ireland and came to New York, where she would build a beautiful life centered on faith and family.

She married her beloved husband, Kevin, and together they made their home in Brooklyn, New York, where they raised their five children and where Lilly lived for more than 50 years. Kevin predeceased her, but the family and life they built together remained at the very heart of Lilly’s world.

Lilly was the loving mother of Eileen (Charlie) Hillock, Ann (Stan) Laskowski, Maureen (Saul Curtis), Kevin, and Michael (Kathy).

She adored her 15 grandchildren: Lauren, Shannon, Charlie, Kevin, Matthew, Elizabeth, Michelle, Kerry-Anne, Christine, Julia, Michael, Madison, Anthony, Kevin, and Thomas. She was also the proud and loving great-grandmother of Dylan and Max.

And because four-legged family members counted, too, Lilly had a special place in her heart for the family pets — Kali, Kodi, Lucky Clover and Jack.

She was also a cherished Aunt and Godmother to many.

Quiet and caring by nature, Lilly had a heart of gold and showed her love in the countless things she did for the people around her. Her deep Catholic faith was an important and constant part of her life and a source of strength throughout the years.

Her warm and welcoming home was always a gathering place for family and friends — a place where there was always time for a cup of tea and a chat. She hosted countless parties and holiday dinners over the years, with Christmases at the Maher home holding an especially treasured place in the memories of her children and grandchildren.

Lilly also had a wonderful green thumb and took great pride in her flowers and gardens, particularly her beautiful rose bushes. Like her home, they were lovingly and carefully tended.

After more than five decades in Brooklyn, Lilly moved to Nanuet, New York, and most recently to Park Ridge, New Jersey.

From the courageous 17-year-old girl who left County Leitrim for New York to the matriarch of a large and loving family spanning generations, Lilly lived a life of quiet strength, deep faith and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Her greatest legacy can be found in the family she created, the traditions she passed down, and the countless memories made around her table and in her home. She will be deeply missed, but those who loved her will find reminders of her in so many simple and beautiful things — a blooming rose bush, a family celebration, a warm and welcoming home, and, of course, a cup of tea and a good chat.

May Lilly rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956, on August 16, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Anthony's Church, 36 W Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954, on August 17, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Burial will follow at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, 36 W Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY 10954, on August 17, 2026, at 11:15 am.