Mary Ann Flaherty

Mary Ann Flaherty died Wednesday, July 24, 2024,  in Missoula, MT, 2400 miles from her birthplace of Berkeley Heights, NJ. She was 93 years old and leaves behind three children and their spouses: John Flaherty and his wife, Margaret Flaherty of Lincoln MT, Julia Flaherty of Missoula MT and her husband Dave Hancock, of Linden, NJ, and Amy Hovell and her husband, John Hovell, of Hope, NJ. 

Mary Ann was a loving and devoted grandmother who adored her three granddaughters: Julia Hovell of Bayonne, NJ, Bridget Hovell and her husband Tim Grieve-Carlson, of Pittsburgh, PA, and Jenny Hovell of Philadelphia, PA. 

Mary Ann was a dedicated teacher retiring from the New Jersey public school system after 40 years of instruction. She touched the lives of well over 1000 children instilling a love of reading and creativity.

Her family was one of the original settlers in Berkeley Heights, NJ establishing a homestead and farm in the mid 1800s.  Mary Ann was an accomplished pianist and organist. She attended the Juilliard School of Music and followed in the footsteps of her mother playing the organ at the Catholic church her grandfather helped build.  

Her love of dogs and reading was legendary. She was never happier than with a book in her hands and a beloved Newfoundland or Tibetan Terrier curled at her feet. She loved good fashion and interior design; she was a snappy dresser with a good eye for home decor.

She will be missed.