Cynthia Maher

Cynthia Maher, 80, a treasure to her family, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at her home. Celebration of Life: 10:00 ' 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a Sharing of Memories at 11:00 a.m. Burial for Edward and Cynthia Maher will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Cynthia was born December 18, 1943, daughter of George and Mary (Kohl) Van Slyke, in Iowa. She married Edward Bernard Maher Jr. on October 13, 1963, in Marion, Iowa. She enjoyed feeding birds, doing puzzles, sewing, having movie and game night with her friends, playing Pinochle, and spending time with her cat, Pickles. In her younger years, she loved bowling, fishing with her husband and kids, bingo and baking; especially her famous bread, cinnamon rolls, ambrosia chocolate pie, and homemade noodles. Cynthia also was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. Cynthia was a traditional homemaker raising her 5 children, where she led by example of love, patience, grace and hard work. She loved her husband Ed sharing 50 years together. Everyone who knew her felt her true, gentle innocence. She made all around her feel valued, loved and worthy. She never had a harsh or mean tone even when she was upset. She didn't curse, drink or smoke. She was 'Home' to so many. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She loved each and every one immensely and she knew how much she was loved by them. Survivors include her children, Rachel (Doug) Hale of Phoenix, Arizona, Edward B. (Debbie) Maher III of Cedar Rapids, Colleen (Roger) Cassill of Cedar Rapids, Mary McGovern of Gilroy, California, and Kathy Pyne of Glendale, Arizona; siblings, Edward Van Slyke, Randie Willis, Diane Drival, Marsha Smith, Debbie Wright, and Bonnie Brody; grandchildren, Derrick, Justine, Seth, Sebastian, Zac, Landon, Echo, Bijan, Bianca, Dante, Krystle, Thor, and Athena; great-grandchildren, Sky, Maximus, Justin, Derrick, Meleia, Mackenna, Levi, Lawson, Braelyn, Beckham, Daphne, Arlo, Dahlia, Asher, Aspen, Georgia, Grayson, Bella, and Lincoln; and great great-grandchildren, Levi, Nevaeh, and Anna. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Edward Maher; and siblings, Sharon Van Slyke, Dennis Van Slyke, Patty Tinstman, and Margaret Bair. Memorials may be made to the family. The family extends a special Thank You to her home health nurse, Kim, for the excellent care and her friends at the Asbury House, especially Loretta.