Amelia Penny Maher

Amelia McKeon Penny Maher was born in 1942 in County Leitrim, Ireland, the oldest of three siblings: Tommy, Sean, and Margaret. She grew up on a small farm in Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim, where she and her siblings spent their days helping their parents and uncle on the farm, growing vegetables, and caring for the animals. After completing her high school education, she began working at the post office in Ballinamore.
At the age of 19, Amelia emigrated to New York, where she stayed with her Uncle Tom McKeon and his wife, Molly McKeon, in the Irish enclave of Sunnyside, Queens. By all accounts, Amelia was like a daughter to them. She developed lifelong friendships with her cousins Margarite and Sheila.
A She completed her studies and went on to meet her future husband, Sidney Raymond Penny. Together, they had three loving children: Sean, Carol, and Michael. They often traveled back to Ireland and England to visit family and friends.
In 1982, Amelia joined Aer Lingus, where she excelled in her work and formed many long-lasting friendships with colleagues, coworkers, and even travelers. Her kindness and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and many stayed in touch for years. Always remembering her roots, Amelia generously gave back to those in Ireland and was well-known in the Irish community in New York for her kindness and generosity. Amelia was blessed with reciprocal generosity many times in her life. During her early days at Aer Lingus, Amelia's husband Sidney became very ill and was eventually diagnosed with mesothelioma. While Amelia spent day and night by Sidney's side or with her young children, her extended Aer Lingus family worked all of her shifts so that there was no loss of income.
Amelia's passing was preceded by her husband Sidney in 1986, as well as her youngest son Michael in 1999. Once again, she found herself surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends. In 2001, Amelia married Patrick Maher of County Mayo, who had also moved to the U.S. at a young age and had lost his wife years earlier. The two enjoyed a loving and happy marriage for 25 years. Pat also preceded Amelia in passing.
Those who had the good fortune of knowing Amelia will remember her as a smart, caring, and loving friend who always put others first. Her generous and loving nature touched the lives of countless people. Amelia leaves behind her son Sean, daughter Carol, and grandchildren Cody, Kate, Shay, Aida, and Laila, as well as stepchildren Deidre, Finola, Brian, and Sheila.
Visitation will be held at Clayton's Funeral Home in Kings Park, New York, on Wednesday, March 26th, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will take place at the Church of St. Joseph in Kings Park on March 27th at 11:00 AM. Amelia will be laid to rest at Pine Lawn Cemetery in Farmingdale