Mary Ann Boatright

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Ann Maher Boatright, who was a cherished wife, loving daughter, and beloved sister and aunt, and whose life left us on August 30, 2026. The combination of her sharp intellect and a wide array of varied interests contributed to Mary Ann being a truly remarkable individual.

The late Lawrence Maxwell Maher and Martha Lauenborg Maher Holst were the parents of Mary Ann, who was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, at Good Samaritan Hospital and then resided in Boca Raton, Florida, on May 9, 1936. The time Mary Ann spent growing up in the beautiful, wild, and historically rich area of Boca Raton was an experience she deeply cherished.

In addition to achieving academic accolades at Seacrest High School in Delray Beach, Florida, she actively participated in extracurricular activities that fostered broader cultural engagement, including serving on the school senate, being a member of the pep club, and competing on the swimming team.

On August 28, 1957, during a Candlelight Ceremony, she was married to the late Dr. Jerry Lee Boatright, who had been her sweetheart since their days at Seacrest High School.

She harbored a deep and abiding passion for the cultivation of exotic orchids, which she nurtured in her specialized greenhouse. Mary Ann and Jerry found immense happiness through their participation in dancing activities with the Harlequin Dance Society. They derived a great deal of enjoyment from the pastime of sailing, and the Hollywood Yacht Club was a place where they discovered considerable pleasure. Her extensive work with regional cultural organizations, which notably included her sponsorship and position as an o􀆯icer of the South Florida JAZZ Society, has earned her o􀆯icial recognition for her substantial e􀆯orts as both a collaborator and an organizer. Both she and Jerry, who were actively engaged in numerous other charitable endeavors, provided invaluable professional and personal support that greatly benefited the Humane Society of Broward County. Her love for animals was quite pronounced, and this extended particularly to a soft spot she held for cats. She was an active member of the Sinawak Club, secretary of The Hollywood Dental Society Auxiliary, and a member of the Boca Raton Pioneer Club. After successfully completing her educational pursuits, she embarked upon her professional journey as a medical secretary, ultimately assuming the operational management for the dental practice that had belonged to her late husband, Jerry, and in the subsequent years of her life, she dedicated her time and e􀆯orts to serving as the President of the Broward County Council of Girl Scouts of the USA. Furthermore, she was appointed to the directorship of product sales, taking on this significant responsibility for the large regional group of Girl Scouts.

Maintaining a sharp and active mind was a priority for her, which she achieved through a multifaceted approach that included a deep love for reading, works of art, a talent for completing challenging crossword puzzles, and a keen interest in watching the stock market. She was invariably the focal point of engaging conversations among intelligent people. With her thoughtful nature, selfless acts, and generous spirit, she was the kind of "always put-together" woman others were naturally drawn to. She was also quite the accomplished cook and enjoyed sharing that gift with family and friends over the years.

The passing of Mary Ann is mourned by those left behind, but she is now reunited with her parents, Lawrence Maxwell Maher and Martha Louise Lauenborg Maher Holst, and her brother, William Frederick Maher. She is survived by her brothers, John Lawrence Maher (Hayden Lake, Idaho) and James Alford Maher, along with his wife Alysia Lynn Maher (Flat Rock, North Carolina), and her sister-in-law, Connie Maher (Kinsale, Virginia). Her nieces are also mourning the death of their aunt, Kim Y. Maher (Mableton, Georgia); Toni Maher Warden and her sons, Mitch and Mike, (Reno, Nevada); Lauren R. Maher and her husband, Norman Lesperance (Los Angeles, California); and Shannon Maher Bañaga and her son, (Washington, DC). Her many close friends will undoubtedly miss her dearly, feeling her absence profoundly.

In accordance with her wishes, no service is planned. Should you wish to memorialize Mary Ann, her family has respectfully requested that any contributions be directed towards the Humane Society of Broward County, with a designated donation portal available at https://humanebroward.com/ways-to-give/. As a way to commemorate Mary Ann's life and the memories she held of Florida, you could also consider the deeply meaningful gesture of planting a tree.