Louise Molly Panzeri Maher

Louisa (Louise) Molly Panzeri Maher was born into Italian immigrants; Ernesto and Mary Gianera Panzeri in Silver City, Idaho on February 18, 1919. At an early age she moved with her family to the Panzeri Homestead on Duck Creek near Jordan Valley. Ernesto later bought the fort on Jordan Creek where the family lived. Louise attended elementary school on Flint Creek. In 1928, Ernesto died and Mary Panzeri died in 1952. Her oldest brother was away in Utah working in the mines. The younger kids came together and ran the ranch themselves. When Louise was ready to head into high school, she and Mary moved to Jordan Valley where they rented an apartment behind the Elorriaga Boarding House. Later she rented a room at the Gluch's ranch. She and Annabelle Gluch were the same age and became lifelong friends as she was with Pilar Elorriaga. Louise graduated Valedictorian of her class at Jordan Valley High. While in high school she met a handsome buckaroo by the name of Frank Maher. There were married April 3, 1938. Their first home was at the Brewster Ranch near Cliffs, Idaho and the Owyhee River. The oldest two children, Charlie (Tuffy) and Anita were born. Later, they purchased the Foster Ranch on Juniper Creek where they completed their family with Ilene and Tony. Mom was no stranger to hard work. She could do whatever needed to be done; driving pull-up, irrigating, and working right along with the men. However, she was also a wonderful caretaker, cook and especially mother. In 1955, the family moved to Homedale and ran cattle with Baldwin F and Edward and Elise Brown. The two families became lifelong friends and family to each other. Lisie was the sister Louise never had. The trip moving cattle from Strodes Basin to Indian Meadows was a nine day trip and covered more than 100 miles. She drove the camp wagon, set up camp every afternoon, packed everything up and moved to the next camp site each of the nine days. She also did all the cooking on the sheepherder stove. She always had a leppy calf or an orphan colt or one of Ilene's cats to accompany her. Summers spent in Indian Meadows were her favorite. Louise taught herself how to type when she went to work for Crookham Company in the research department. She weighed sugar beet trucks in the fall. She then went to work for Paul Zatica and worked for him for 25 years. She started as a checker and worked her way up the ladder and became the bookkeeper. When she retired Paul took both she and Frank to Mexico City as a retirement gift. Throughout the years she was Frank's constant companion and helper. She learned to ride a horse and buckaroo. She had a special love for cooking for her family. That love always came through in the taste. She spent the little bit of peaceful time she had knitting and crocheting. Each child received a crocheted bedspread set for their wedding gifts. Throughout her life she became an accomplished seamstress making clothes for her family. She and Frank, along with their lifelong friends Ben and Adell danced 3 to 4 nights per week at various square dance and round dance clubs around the valley. Louise loved to bowl and belonged to various bowling leagues. Louise lived a selfless life. She lived for her family and friends. She served the ones she loved her entire life. She will be missed and celebrated. Louise Maher is survived by her children: Charley (Jean) Maher, Anita (Tom) Gluch, Ilene (Jerry) Canning and Tony (Cindy) Maher. Also her grandchildren: Tyra Gluch, Dan Gluch, Todd (Shelley) Gluch, Toni (Chris) Siegner, Crissy (Rob) Rea, David Maher, J.T. Canning, Ryan Canning, Scott Maher. Great-grandchildren: Chelsea and Charli Siegner, Emily, Nick, and Trea Gluch, Cassidy and Kelsey Gluch, Lane Maher, Alec Rea and Nicholas Maher. Louise is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Carlos or Charley who died in Italy; Pietro or Pete; Ernesto or Mig; and William or Willy, and a sister Angelina who died in Silver City when she was only three; her loving husband Frank and grandson Nicholas Sullivan Maher. We, her family would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to Ann and the staff at Canyon West for the loving care and kindness shown to our mother during her stay. Memorial services are on Friday May 2, 2014 at 7:00 PM at Flahiff Chapel in Homedale, Idaho. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday May 3, 2014 at 1:00 PM at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Jordan Valley, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Bernard’s Church at P.O. Box 186 Jordan Valley, OR 97910. Condolences can be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information