Tonight we remember our beautiful mother, Kathleen Mary McParland Maurer, born April 30, 1932, who left us on March 1, 2003.
Mom was the loving wife of Alphonse Maurer and the proud mother of six — Danny , Jimmy, (Jeanie), Jerry (Rose), Marie (Jim Blough), Diane (Roger Brening), and Susan (Pat Hurley). Our family was often described as the “Brady Bunch” of Cabrini Parish in Allen Park — three boys followed by three girls — raised in a small home filled with faith, laughter, music, and unconditional love.
She was the daughter of Margaret Ferguson and Francis McParland. Grandma Margaret bravely left Ireland in her early twenties, journeyed to Toronto with her sister Bertha, and later settled in Detroit after meeting Grandpa Francis, one of Ford’s early five-dollar-a-day workers. That courage, strength, and devotion to family became Mom’s foundation.
Mom began her career as a secretary, even working glamorous positions at the FBI and Ford Motor Company where her shorthand skills were admired — a true lost art. When I was born, she made the decision to become a full-time mother, dedicating herself completely to raising the six of us until Susie was in 7th grade. She reentered the workforce at the local school district, but her greatest life’s work was always her family.
She sent us off to school every day with the same words: “Study hard,” followed by a big hug and a kiss. Those simple words still echo in our hearts.
Though we didn’t have much money, Mom and Dad gave us a childhood rich in experiences — especially the countless trips in the motorhome Dad bought in the early 70s. We saw the country together, learned together, and grew closer together.
Mom was a kind and generous spirit who filled our home with music. She played the piano and organ beautifully and later, with a sparkle in her eye, would play the accordion at the local bar on St. Patrick’s Day — proud of her Irish roots and her membership in the Irish American Club. She also loved her card clubs and the friendships that sustained her throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Frank, and survived by her other three brothers Jack (Elenor), Gerald (Judy), and Jim (Pat). She leaves behind her ten grandchildren — Rachael, Amanda, Ryan, Danny, Andrea, Collin, Allison, Shane, Kathleen and Conner— along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who were blessed by her warmth.
Mom taught us faith at Cabrini Parish, resilience from her immigrant roots, devotion to family, and the power of kindness in everyday life. She showed us that love is not measured by money, but by presence, sacrifice, music in the living room, road trips in a motorhome, and hugs at the front door each morning.
We miss her still.
We carry her always.
And tonight, we honor the remarkable woman who made our house a home.
Love you, Mom. Jimmy and “ChatGPT” Mom…. you wont believe what technology does now!!!
