Obituary of Gerald Keith Maher

It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family of Gerald “Gerry” Keith Maher, of Hampton, announce his passing on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He leaves behind his wife, Isabel (Sommerville) Bradley Maher; a rare second encounter with happiness.

Born in Saint John on March 10, 1948, Gerry was the son of J. Walter Maher and Beatrice (Belyea) Robins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 21-years, Barbara Blanchard-Maher, as well as brother-in-law Bill Bushe and nephew Justin Arsenault.

As a young man, Gerry enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving his country from 1965-1968. He later graduated from Western University with a Masters in Political Science and Journalism, followed by a return to Saint John to work at the Telegraph-Journal before finding his primary career as a financial planner with Investors Group and RBC Dominion Securities. After “retirement” he brought his expert salesmanship to the real estate world, working with Exit Realty in Fredericton.

Gerry’s life was always one of service to his community. He had a lifelong love of politics; running for various positions in public office, and working on numerous campaigns for the Progressive Conservatives. He was a Councillor for the Town of Quispamsis (2006-2010), where he was instrumental to bringing the QPlex to fruition. He also served as Treasurer of the Corps of Commissionaires for NB and PEI (2006-2009), and as a director of the Community Autism Centre of Saint John (2000-2009). Finally, Gerry had a great passion for sports, especially playing and watching hockey, and was a lifelong avid reader.

Gerry will be greatly missed by his children, Crystal Blanchard (Cliff Godsoe) and Jennifer Hanson both of Belleisle Creek, and Matthew Maher (Maxime) of Victoria, BC, as well as stepchildren, Stephen Bradley (Diana) of Riverglade, Cheri Garnett (Chris) of Riverglade, Wendi Bradley (Wade) of Quispamsis, and Kathi Bradley (Cody) of Sussex. The same is true of his beloved grandchildren, Austin Blanchard-Anderson and Emmarose Blanchard-Godsoe, step-grandchildren, Elijah Godsoe and Silas Godsoe, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and the extended Bradley family.

Blessed with a large family, Gerry is also survived by brother Robert “Bob” Robins (Esther) of Saint John and sisters, Judy Murray of London, ON, Betty Bushe of Toronto, ON, Patricia Donaldson (Wayne) of Saint John, Florence Cusack (Stephen) of Saint John, Audrey Robins of Saint John, Susan Maher of Bedford, NS, and Bonnie Hayes (Terry) of Sussex, NB. He is also dearly missed by his Blanchard family, whom he loved greatly and stayed close with until the end, and his many dear friends and colleagues.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) with visiting on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 3-5PM and 6-8PM. A service celebrating Gerry’s life will be held at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 1PM. Interment to take place at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, O’Leary, PEI, at a later date. For those who wish, donations in memory of Gerry can be made to the Community Autism Centre, the Salvation Army, or cancer research. Online condolences may be made at www.kennebecasisfh.com.