Sr. Veronica Mary Maher, IHM, 86, died April 13 in the IHM Health Care Center, Monroe.

Sr. Maher was born Feb. 20, 1931, in Detroit, one of six children of Henry and Veronica (Kelly) Maher. She earned her degree from Marygrove College and entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe, in 1951.

Sr. Maher began teaching at St. Mary Academy, St. John and St. Mary, Monroe. In 1964 she earned a master’s degree in biology from Michigan State University, and in 1968 a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin. She gained research experience at Yale University and returned to Marygrove College to teach biology.

In what would become the focus of her life-long ministry, she joined the research staff of the Michigan Cancer Foundation. In 1976, she began a 30-year career at Michigan State University as medical school and cancer research professor; co- founder and research scientist of the Carcinogenesis Laboratory and associate dean of graduate study.

Sr. Maher’s contributions to carcinogenic research have been invaluable to the treatment of cancer. In recognition of her contributions to the university, the nation and the international community of scientists in her field, Sr. Maher was awarded the highest honor at Michigan State University, the title of University Distinguished Professor.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Sr. Maher April 18 at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel in Monroe.