Kathleen B. Maher (née McShane), “Kay,” 88, of Dumont, formerly of the Bronx, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Kay was the beloved wife of the late John Maher (“Jack”) and a devoted mother to Kathy Maher, Rosie Mertz and her husband Tom, Tricia Kindergan and her husband Tom.  Loving Momsy to her dog Finn. She was a cherished “Nan” to Tommy and Brian Kindergan and Tyler Mertz, as well as a loving “Nan” to many honorary grandchildren.

Kay is survived by her brother, Jerry McShane, and her sister-in-law, Kay. She was predeceased by her brother Eugene McShane and his wife, Mary , and her brother James as well as her cherished parents, Owen  and Jane McShane. She was also blessed with many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins here in the United States and in Ireland, as well as many cherished friends.

Kay lived life fully and was always up for fun and adventures. She loved to travel, was an avid bowler, enjoyed reading, playing miniature golf, rooting for her grandsons at their many sporting events and special moments, playing bingo, card games and simply enjoyed being surrounded by the people she loved.

Some of her happiest memories were made spending time together on family vacations, including trips to the Jersey Shore, Disney, the Poconos and the islands.

Kay will be deeply missed by all who loved her. She was a true joy to know, and the memories she created with her family and friends will live on forever. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, September 29th from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, 161 Washington Avenue, Dumont, NJ.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 30th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Dumont.  Christian burial at Ascension Cemetery 650 Saddle River Road, Airmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the American Cancer Society.