Mederick "Midge" Zaher

Mederick “Midge” Zaher, age 101, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Joan E. (Hardman) Zaher with whom he enjoyed 66 years of marriage until her passing in 2020.

He was born in Lowell on December 23, 1924, and was the son of the late George M. and Romia (Halley) Zaher.

Midge served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, leaving High School at age 17. Following his military service, he worked for the Federal Government at Fort Devens as a supervisor of Industrial Equipment, where he remained until his retirement, however, retirement did not slow him down. He went on to work full-time at Nashoba Valley Ski Area, where he maintained ski equipment and lifts and served as Head Mechanic. He also tended the gardens there, provided vegetables for the restaurants, working diligently for more than 70 years, until the age of 91. In 2006, at age 81, he proudly received his Chelmsford High School Diploma, 63 years later.

Midge was also a proud Past Commander and life member of American Legion Post 437, Nabnasset. An avid gardener, he took great pride in his gardens, which became well known in the community. He provided fruits and vegetables for his friends and neighbors for many years. His beautiful gardens were featured in photographs and articles published in the Westford Eagle and the Chelmsford Independent. Through his military service, dedicated work ethic, community involvement, and love of gardening, Midge left a lasting impression on those who knew him and a legacy of service, hard work, and devotion.

Mederick is survived by his daughter Lynne C. Belanger of North Chelmsford and his son Mederick W. (Bill) Zaher and his partner Sheila (Martel) Chouinard of Dunstable; his grandchildren April Lynne Danahy and her husband Kyle of New Hampton, NH, Bethany L. Rivera, Christopher M. Zaher, Nathan J. Zaher, and Sarah S. Zaher; and many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and his brother Charles Zaher and his wife Claudia of Chelmsford. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Sadly, his son Kevin Zaher, his daughter-in-law Joanne (Macrina) Zaher and 9 of his siblings, predeceased him.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital CDCE Office 135, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 4pm – 7pm at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. His funeral service will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 10am in the funeral home. Interment to follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, CHELMSFORD.