Kaye McLatchie Maher passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026 in Sister Bay, WI at the age of 96. Born on August 15, 1930 to John Eldon McLatchie and Emily (Sharp) McLatchie, Kaye often reflected that her childhood was shaped by a great many family moves. Along with her two sisters, Joan and Lois, Kaye lived in Evanston, Glencoe, and Winnetka, IL; Shaker Heights, OH; and Greenwich, CT. She formed many dear friendships at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL where she graduated with the class of 1948. After earning a degree in Early Childhood Development from Connecticut College in New London, CT, Kaye returned to Chicago to attend a reunion of high school friends where she met the love of her life. Kaye enjoyed telling the story of how a tall, handsome man accidentally tripped and literally fell into her lap at that party, and then they stayed together forever. On December 10, 1955, Kaye married Harry Clarke Maher at Sacred Heart Church in Winnetka, IL.

In Northbrook, IL, they lovingly raised their four children (Emily, John, Kate and Danny) in a close-knit neighborhood (St. Stephens Green) that they adored. Kaye was the kind of mother everyone wishes they had - steady, calm and peaceful, acting selflessly and making their home a place of nurturing and comfort. In 1970, Kaye and Harry started the Kaymar Crafts business out of their home in Northbrook. Harry was the artist and creator of decorative wooden plaques, and Kaye tirelessly held operations together with unflappability and resilience while traveling this unexpected path. At the same time that she raised four children and managed the family business, Kaye also volunteered for Meals on Wheels in the northern Chicago suburbs, swam at the YMCA early each morning with friends, and sang in the annual Do It Yourself Messiah at Orchestra Hall in Chicago.

In 1985, Kaye and Harry moved to Door County, WI. They lived on Island View Road in Juddville for 20 years, where they enjoyed a beautiful home on the bluff overlooking Egg Harbor and the small islands in the Green Bay waters. Always a lover of books and reading, Kaye began a career as a librarian after her children were grown. Whereas Kaye's story as a librarian began in the Chicago area at the Winnetka Public Library, it blossomed at the McArdle Library in Baileys Harbor. The library was originally housed in the old Baileys Harbor schoolhouse. When the time came for a new library building connected to the town hall, Kaye was instrumental in discussions and planning, consulting with the architects to create a new library based on what she knew her patrons needed. Once it was built, Kaye enjoyed helping library visitors with research projects, writing, and -- most satisfying of all -- finding the perfect book. She felt honored to know multiple generations of local families and was cherished as the Baileys Harbor librarian for 18 years until she stepped down and assisted at the Sister Bay Library.

Kaye and Harry moved from Juddville to The Oaks in Baileys Harbor in 2002. Kaye was a board member on the original Oaks Condominium Association board and developed friendships with many wonderful neighbors there. Kaye and Harry were active members of the Ephraim Moravian Church where Kaye served as a trustee and sang in the choir. She loved classical music and volunteered at Midsummer's Music, enjoyed and supported the Peninsula Music Festival, and performed with the Peninsula Singers choir. She was a member of the original Door County chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), a very involved member of several book clubs, and found time to relax by tending to her beautiful flower gardens. Kaye's other interests included knitting, curating reading recommendations for friends and family, and an abiding love for dogs. She would proudly name all the dogs throughout her life, from a Scottie named Sandy, a Collie named Bruce whom she called her "best friend growing up", a Shorthaired Pointer, four Shelties, an Airedale, to her final dog friend, a Westie named Charlie. There was almost never a time in her life when Kaye did not have a dog whom she cared for and loved.

Kaye is survived by her daughter, Emily Maher of Sister Bay, WI, son, John (Lynn Yanis) Maher of Northampton, MA, and daughter, Kate (Kevin) Moss of Wauwatosa, WI; grandchildren, Ryan (Kathy) Moss, Daniel (Alexis Wallace) Moss, Caroline Moss, Kathleen (Michael Johnson) Maher, Anna Maher, and Yelena Maher; great-grandchildren, Leo Moss, Naomi Johnson, and Nora Johnson; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Maher, who passed away in 2017 after 62 years of marriage. They are now reunited (as was her greatest wish), along with their son, Danny; sisters, Joan (Walter) Schilling and Lois (Bill) Ensign; and siblings-in-law Ann (Roger) Hosbein, Carol (Jack) Pennington, and Clark Maher.

Kaye's family would like to send thanks and gratitude to the numerous caregivers in Door County who showed love and devotion for their beloved mother. Her life will be honored with a funeral service on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ephraim Moravian Church, 9979 Moravia Road, Ephraim, WI with Rev. Chris Griffith officiating. Following the service, the family invites guests to gather for light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Memorials may be given in Kaye's name to the Ephraim Moravian Church (PO Box 73, Ephraim, WI 54211) or Friends of Door County Libraries (online donations at friendsofdoorcountylibraries.org). Arrangements have been entrusted with Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Kaye may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.