Homily at Linda Maher funeral by Fr. Stephen Wyble

Linda F. Maher Obituary

Linda F. Maher passed away on January 28, 2026 at the age of 73. Linda was a brilliant, hardworking, devoted and humble member of every community she joined, whether in a professional capacity, as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, or church member. The testament to her impact was evident in the last days of her life. During her recent hospitalization, a long list of loyal friends visited her every day to pray and offer encouragement. Her son, Tim, moved from Chicago to care for her. That kind of devotion speaks to the love and high regard so many had for Linda.

Linda was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1952 to Eugene and Lucille Scheve Freeman. Linda has a younger brother, Gene Freeman. Linda graduated from Villa Duchesne High School in St. Louis in 1970, and was an alumna of Smith College in Amherst, Massachusetts where she earned a degree in History in 1974.

After college Linda moved to Washington DC and worked for Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska as a press assistant. In 1981, Linda accepted a position with the National Cable Television Association in Government Relations. She later worked in Government Relations for Turner Broadcasting.

Linda married her late husband, Bob, in 1984 and together they had three children, Morgan, Tim, and Lucy (Felix Sanchez). The family also includes Bob’s son and daughter from a previous marriage: Joan Daly (Bob) and Kevin (Joanne) and nine grandchildren. Paz, Mar, Gabi, Nick, Nora, Will, Noah, Alex, and Matthew.

In 1995, Linda returned to the workforce as the Executive Director of the Youth Leadership Foundation in Washington, DC. In 2003, Linda joined the staff of the Heights School in Potomac, MD where her two son’s attended school. She served as Director of Communications until her retirement in 2023. A colleague of Linda’s, Phil McGovern, wrote: “Linda was never just a communications director. She became the heartbeat of so much of our advancement work. She poured herself into every event — the Garden Party, Maryland Day Gala, the Auction — making each one feel warm, elegant, and effortless. She created new donor gatherings that helped people feel truly connected to the school. She wrote and refined every fundraising message with care. She even took on the role of grants director, crafting proposals that brought in meaningful support from foundations. But what made Linda extraordinary wasn’t just what she did — it was how she did it. Linda was brilliant. She worked quietly, without fanfare, always making sure everything went smoothly for everyone else. She was loyal in a way that is rare. She brought a sense of style and grace that elevated everything she touched. She had a gift for making donors feel seen and appreciated, and the relationships she built were genuine and lasting. The Heights is a better place because of her.”

As the mother of three children, involvement in neighborhood activities was a priority for Linda. A neighbor, Diane Stuart, relayed the story of a long-held tradition in North Chevy Chase of holding a 4th of July Celebration each year. For many years, the event was held on Montgomery Avenue in front of Bob and Linda’s home. They were warm and welcoming hosts who knew how to make everyone feel special. Linda leaves behind a legacy of faith, friendship and love for all who knew her.

A memorial mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Church in Kensington, MD on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to Little Sisters of Poor, whose mission is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a place to live where they will be welcomed until God calls them to home - https://littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.org/donate/