Mary Maher-Lehmann, age 68, of Houston Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2020, at Gunderson Health Systems in La Crosse, Wisconsin, following a short and unexpected illness.

Mary was born February 27, 1952, in La Crosse, WI, to Glen and Evelyn Maher. She attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, and graduated from Aquinas High School (1970) in La Crosse before earning her degree in medical technology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Mary met Brian Lehmann, the love of her life, and they married on October 7, 1979. Brian and Mary welcomed their beloved daughter Talia in 1981, and Mary remained incredibly proud of Talia for the rest of her days. 

Mary worked in various hospitals and medical settings as a medical technologist until she pursued her passion for photography. She opened Lens Work Photography in the late 1980’s, and she loved to help people document their happy life occasions as a professional photographer until her retirement. Mary was a wonderful cook and baker, she enjoyed being able to feed guests delicious meals, and her fabulous cheesecakes were widely known and much appreciated. 

Mary and Brian enjoyed traveling, and they did so often when their health still allowed for it. Mary gave her powerful love to many beloved animals and pets in her lifetime, enjoyed collecting, and was known for her porcelain miniature dog and china collections. Mary loved art of all kinds but was especially proud of her husband’s artwork and prints. Reading, gardening, and being in nature also brought her joy. She dearly loved her home, and looking out at the beautiful view of nearby bluffs brought immense pleasure to her every day. Mary had close and devoted friendships from the many facets of her life, and her absence will leave a hole in the lives of numerous treasured friends and family members. 

While her health in recent years limited some activities, she never wavered from her favorite passion: being a loving mother and wife. She relished sharing and bragging about Talia, and being a fierce and caring advocate for her husband of almost 41 years. Mary was never afraid to speak her mind or share her opinions and advice, and remained her own, authentic self to the end. She was often described as a force of nature, and her love, devotion, and true radiance were a beacon to all who knew and loved her. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her dear sister Kitty (Terry) Wojohn; Tommy Maher; mother-in-law Audra Lehmann; and her brother-in-law Kent Yeager. She is survived by her husband Brian and daughter Talia; siblings Mike Maher, Tim Maher, David Maher, Patricia VanderVelde, and Don (Geri) Maher; siblings-in-law Joellen Yeager, Mark (Karen) Lehmann, Lynda Holtz, Barbara Nash, and Grant (Laurie) Lehmann; father-in-law Robert Lehmann; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends. 

Per Mary’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, when people are able to share happy memories and stories. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to: the United Way, www.unitedway.org; the Lyme Disease Association Inc, www.lymediseaseassociation.org;

https://couleecremation.com/mary-maher-lehmann/