Ms. Carol Anne "Dolly" Maher

Ms. Carol Anne “Dolly” Maher, 60, of Middle Island, N.Y. and formerly Truxton, passed away on May 1, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson. Born July 24, 1965, in Cortland New York, Carol was the daughter of Joseph and Jane Simon Maher. A 1983 graduate of Homer High School, Carol went on to further her studies at S.U.N.Y. Plattsburgh receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education and then on to Springfield College in Massachusetts where earned her Master of Education. While at Plattsburgh she was the president of her sorority where she continued her collection of lifelong friendships. Carol's love for travel began in high school with a trip to Mexico with her Spanish class. In college she was an international student, studying abroad for a semester in England. Carol seized the opportunity to travel extensively, over 13 different countries, where she skied, travelled via youth hostels, and visited many pubs along the way. She continued her love of traveling with her most recent trips to South Africa and Hawaii. Carol's quick wit and smile was her trademark. She used this gift to be a "friend to the friendless", always lifting others in need. The fun continued after she had her son Rory, sharing him with her friends and family was her pride and joy. Her fiancé Russell brought her great comfort, and together they were always laughing. She would want all who read this to take away the importance of laughter and sharing it with everyone we can. Carol had numerous jobs. During her youth she was a ski instructor at Labrador Mountain, a lift attendant at Song Mountain, a Camp Counselor at Hunter Mountain for the disabled, and a recreation leader for a summer living on site at Nicks Lake Old Forge. Once her college education was completed, she was employed at A.R.C. in Syracuse, then moved to Long Island and with her prior nursing home experience, Carol served as the Director of Therapeutic Recreation at the Long Island State Veterans Home, from where she retired. She is survived by her son; Rory T. Maher-Siems of California, her fiancé; Russell Day of Middle Island, N.Y. a brother; Paul (Bonnie) Maher of Truxton, and a sister Kathryn (John) Touchette, many nieces, nephews, and cousins including her sorority sisters of Alpha Delta Theta S.U.N.Y. Plattsburgh Chapter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church in Truxton, N.Y. The Christian Rite of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Cortland. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 5-7 p.m. in the Chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home, 69 N. Main St. Cortland, N.Y. Those who wish to honor Carol's memory in the form of a contribution are asked to please consider; The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island 1500 Hempstead Turnpike East Meadow, NY 11554 or Good Shepherd Hospice 200 Belle Terre Rd. Port Jefferson, N.Y. 11777. Condolences may also be sent to the family by visiting; www.riccardifuneralhome.com.

Ms. Carol Anne "Dolly" Maher

July 24, 1965 - May 1, 2026