Career
She born in Freshford, County Kilkenny, Ireland on 13 September 1799, as Ellen Maher. She entered Street Leo"s Convent, in Carlow in 1838, becoming a Sister of Mercy, and taking on the religious name of Mary Cecilia Maher. In 1849 Bishop Pompallier visited seeking nuns to emigrate.
Eight left from Street Leo"s, led by Maher.
Maher was superior from 1850–1867 and 1870–1877, before dying in 1878.