Maria Flaherty
January 5, 1948 ~ November 3, 2021
Maria Flaherty, age 73 of Chesterland, passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Southwest General Hospital in Middleburg Hts. Born January 5, 1948 in Cleveland she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Vera (Schuessler) Masterino. Preceded in death by sister Barbara Majors and brother Robert (Patricia) Masterino
Maria had a voracious appetite for learning, throwing herself with the enthusiasm of a child into every task, hobby, or opportunity presented to her. She worked for over 40 years as a licensed Masseuse running her own business. She practiced reiki and meditation. She showed incredible conviction and grit in every aspect of her life.
She loved the Lord, nature, and animals. She walked in the local parks daily. But more than anything, she loved spending time with her family.
She was a devoted mother to two: Christian (Leah) and Ian (Christy)
A big sister to four: Michelle (Sri) Rahm, Melissa (Bob) Kraus, Michael Masterino, and Marcia (Charles) Melocik.
A loving grandmother to six: Paige, Sabrina, Avery, Wyatt, Amelia, and Garrett.
A caring aunt to many.
And loyal friend to countless others.
Family and friends are invited to say a final goodbye to Maria at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St, Chardon on Monday, November 8th from 4 - 8pm. The family will have a private Celebration of Life on Tuesday.
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Maria was a lovely, warm and wonderful person. I knew her through the extended group of people interested in helping animals. She would come to the bookstore where I used to work and we’d always have a nice chat. I remember her fondess for wearing embroidered tops from India. I have some of the same and will think of her whenever I wear one. Much love to her family.
I always looked forward to my time with Maria,her passing is a personal loss. We need more people like her.She loved her family, always wanted to share something her grandchildren said,or did.
Maria will live on in the memories and hearts of many. Her energy will always be present in nature, the parks and woods she walked through daily.
I send my condolences to Maria’s family. I know she is already sorely missed. Her smile and humor brought great joy to my life and I am grateful for having so many wonderful memories of time spent with Maria.
Planting this with love for Maria. Maria always sowed love everywhere she went. You will be loved forever.
In memory of Maria Flaherty, Gary & Zita Schuessler lit a candle
We are very sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
In Our Thoughts was purchased for the family of Maria Flaherty by Fakhoury Family.
Maria was one of those people I just LOVED to be around. Her warm, upbeat attitude was contagious & her genuine concern for everyone she knew was palpable. I’ll never forget the time she invited me over for dinner – she was house-sitting for the Barkers. Mr. Barker collected priceless, antique dressers from the 16th & 17th centuries. As Maria was showing me a particularly exotic heirloom I reached out to touch it & a piece broke off in my hand! We were mortified & instantly shot each other a look of sheer terror. Then we started laughing. Before long we were doubled over in hysterics! My life was better because you were in it Maria. Your love, laughter & indelible spirit will endure in all who knew you.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort & loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Please accept this tree as a fitting memorial to Maria.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Maria Flaherty.
Maria was a warm, kind, giving person and my friend. Her love of nature was only rivaled by her love of family, spiritual understanding, service, and learning. She was a multi-faceted person, and each facet shown. Rest in peace, sweet Maria. We will miss you.
My sincere condolences to the Flaherty Family on the passing of Ms. Flaherty. I have the privilege of working with Christian. Ms. Flaherty’s legacy lives on through her family and the many people she has positively influenced. May you have the strength to get through this difficult time. Mark Biley
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Shawn and Michael Marrapese
Inspiring Sunset was purchased for the family of Maria Flaherty by Shawn Marrapese.
Maria was the kindest person we knew. If we could plant an entire forest in her name, it would not be enough to show her spirit to the world. May she rest in peace and condolences to the many people that love and miss her. Maria, we love you and will treasure the time we spent together. Sincerely Gabe, Maggie, Hazel, Yoshi & Rowan
May this tree grow and be loved as Maria has been by us. We will miss you dearly.
Heart was posted for Maria Flaherty.
I met Maria at a church, and took a Reiki class with her as I wanted to see it explained by someone other than who I took class with years prior. She allowed me to sit in on class!! I LOVED her passion, insight, knowledge and her amazing presentation/instruction for this course! I met wonderful people who I still hold dear to my heart from her class, that I would not have met if she didn’t allow me to sit in this class! She was so full of love and compassion and has surely left a great deal of positive impacts on so many!! She will be greatly missed!
I’m so sad to learn of Maria’s passing. It was such a joy to see her at our NHS Class of ’66 Reunion in August. We shared some memories, like walking from Pekin Road to the Masterino family home in Restful Lake to spend the day. I recall enjoying time with Maria’s lovely family, walking along the dirt roads, and splashing in the Lake. Maria was a bright light! The world will be a dimmer place without her beautiful smile. Love, Carole