Obituary of Lena M. Maher

Lena Maher (Matassa) passed into the arms of her Lord on November 29th, 2015 at the age of 94, surrounded by her family. Lena was born in Bridgeport, CT June 14, 1921. She was adopted as an infant and lovingly raised by Filomena and Mauro Matassa. She attended Read School and Central High School. Following graduation, she worked for many years at the General Electric Company as a clerical employee and during her 50's she worked for the Trumbull Police Department. Lena met her husband, James Joseph Maher (Big Jim, now deceased), during her 20's and she married at age 29. Lena raised five children; daughters Phyllis Theresa Maher (Tomlinson) and Maurette Ann Maher, and sons James William Maher, Michael Francis Maher (deceased) and William John Maher. She was a beloved grandmother to Ryan James Maher, Jamie Lynn Stubson (Maher), Jennifer Jaye Smith-Hirsch, John Michael Tomlinson, Kristen Ann Jarema (Tomlinson), Stephen James Tomlinson and Patrick Ryan Maher. Lena was great-grandmother to Eleanor Jane Smith, Gavin William Stubson, Aubrey Lynn Stubson and Taylor Jane Stubson. Her great- grandchildren affectionately called her Bee-Bee Pac-a-Pac for her legendary discipline stories. Lena also cherished her relationship with her devoted son-in-law, Jack Tomlinson and daughter-in-law, Diane Maher. Throughout her life, she was a devout Catholic participating in The Legion of Mary and very engaged in her parish, Christ the King. She also contributed time and energy to Notre Dame Boys High School. For Lena (Momma Lee), her life and heart were first and foremost about family and friends. She often said she wished she could have had a dozen kids. Some of our fondest Momma Lee memories include: large family feasts; her boundless caring, empathy and kindness; her always optimistic and spirited nature. Her joy was giving of herself to others. Her life will continue to inspire those who knew her. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Celebration of Lena's Life starting at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull on Friday, December 4th from 9:30-11:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4700 Madison Avenue, Trumbull at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Lena's name may be made to the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood (DCMPB), 1490 North Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.