Pauline Maher

Pauline M. Maher, a resident of Manhattan for many years, died at her home in Mendham, New Jersey, on July 3, 2009, after a long illness. She was 86.

Retiring only a few years ago, Miss Maher had a colorful and varied career in government, the entertainment, energy, and financial industries, in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

Born and raised in Morristown, New Jersey, Miss Maher attended Bayley Ellard High School and St. Elizabeth’s College. Thereafter, she was assistant to the Vice President for Advertising and Promotion at CBS, Inc. and CBS Radio from 1956 to 1958. The next year, she was named administrative assistant to former United States Senator Harrison A. Williams, Jr.

Following her government service, Miss Maher returned to the entertainment industry, where she had a long and distinguished history. From 1960 to 1965 she was assistant to James. T. Aubrey, Jr., network president of CBS Television. From 1965 to 1968, she continued as his assistant, when Aubrey led Columbia Studios and Warner Brothers.

In succeeding years, Miss Maher was assistant to film producer Leland Hayward and to film director Otto Preminger. Miss Maher also served as office manager for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. in New York. Towards the end of her career, she was an executive assistant at Amerada Hess Corporation and William D. Witter, Inc. in Manhattan.

To all who knew her, Pauline Maher will be remembered as an exciting, generous, and loving woman. She was a lively conversationalist and avid reader, keeping up to date with the theater, cinema, and current events. She was always ready with a fascinating story about Hollywood or politics; and her engaging, personal flair made her the ornament of every gathering of family and friends. She adored her nephews and nieces.

Miss Maher is survived by her sister, Mrs. Catherine T. O’Brien of Mendham, New Jersey; nephews Mr. Donald P. O’Brien, of Mendham, New Jersey; Mr. Dennis B. O’Brien of Chatham, New Jersey; Mr. John C. Maher of Schaumburg, Illinois; niece Mrs. Margaret Strachman of Scottsdale, Arizona; and by many grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

It was with great saddness that I read of the death of Pauline. We were staff members in 1959 for Sen Pete Williams in Washington,DC. At the time I was in my final year in Law School at George Washington University. We were part of tha Senator's first staff. Pauline was a wonderful person and good friend. She will be missed and always in my prayers.