Lois M. MaherNaples, FLLois Marie Maher of Naples, Florida passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on September 28, 2017. Lois was born on October 5,1928 to the late Oscar Melillo and Ida Corradini Melillo of Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Robert "Bob" Maher; her devoted daughter Mary Riley and son-in-law Chris Riley; her cherished grandchildren Caitlin, Connor, Christopher, Collin, Reggie and Sammy; her dear sister Diane Olsen and brother-in-law Art Olsen; her only brother, Donald Melillo (deceased); her nieces and nephews that she loved like her own children, Karen, Dean, Mary, Mitch, Eric, Scott, Joe, Lisa, Billy and Erica; and many loving friends who shall miss her spirit and charm. Lois spent her youth growing up in Chicago surrounded by her many Italian relatives, watching her mother spend countless hours cooking Italian cuisine in her tiny kitchen and cherishing her time with her father who was a professional baseball player. He played 2nd base for the Saint Louis Browns for 10 years and the Boston Red Sox for 2 years before retiring as a player and beginning his coaching career for the next 15 years. Lois would spend her summers at the baseball field in St. Louis watching the legendary players of the 1930's and 1940's. She was most proud when her father's team would play at Comiskey Park in Chicago where all of their friends and family could watch from the bleachers. Her sister, Diane, was only 15 months younger and they were inseparable; their mother putting them in hand-made matching outfits for most of their childhood. Lois attended Catholic Schools throughout her educational years and was deeply devoted to her faith. She attended Holy Rosary, St. Frances Academy, and DePaul University where she met the love of her life, Bob Maher. The romantic couple spent two years of dating taking the street car or train every weekend from the south side of Chicago into the city for a night of dancing at the Trianon or Aragon Ballroom to the music of Lawrence Welk, Wayne King and other legends of the 1940's. After their lavish wedding in 1949, where over 500 guests attended, they settled into married life. While Bob began his law practice, Lois become involved in Junior Women's Club, numerous charity events, and learning to play Bob's favorite past time, the game of golf. She spent every summer at Lake Wisconsin crowding her entire extended family into a two bedroom cottage and driving the old "Hi-Lo" boat which famously got its name from everyone that would watch her waterski along the banks and yell out "Hi, Lo!". The highlight of her life came 17 years after she was married when her daughter, Mary, was born. Prompting her into a life of play dates, Room Mother, Chaperone, Brownie Leader, Girl Scout Leader and anything she could do to be a part of Mary's life. She hosted every holiday at her home cooking all of the family recipes, putting out the fine china, and polishing the silver. She was always the life of the party and got everyone to join in a sing-a-long around the old player piano......her energy was contagious. Lois' most important role was that of a dedicated and loving grandmother. She was known as "Grandma" not only to her own grandchildren, but all of their friends and classmates. She spent the past 17 years of her life attending every sporting event at Saint Ann School, Greater Naples Little League, Gators Youth Football, Travel teams, and Naples High School sports. She was always there, rain or shine, sitting with Papa in their matching big chairs in the front row. She had more spirit and could cheer louder than anyone in the stands!Watching her grandchildren playing sports gave her more joy than anything in the world, which is why in lieu of flowers, it was her wish that donations in her memory may be made to: Saint Ann School Booster Club, Lois Maher Memorial, 542 8th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102.Friends and Family in Naples are invited to attend a Celebration of Life in her honor on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 from 4:00pm.- 8:00pm. at the home of Mary and Chris Riley, 1659 Chinaberry Court, Naples, Florida (Grey Oaks). All are welcome to attend in celebrating her beautiful life. Please RSVP to [email protected] her wishes, a private family ceremony will be held at her lake house in Merrimac, Wisconsin where so many wonderful family memories were made. Lake Wisconsin is where she has chosen for her ashes to remain for eternity. The family would like to thank Bayshore Memory Care for the phenomenal and loving care which she received during the past year and also to Avow Hospice for all of their support.To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit: fullernaples.com or legacy.com.