Mary Mcmahon

Mary Mahoney McMahon died at St. Mary’s Home, Erie, PA on Valentine's Day, 2015.  She was born in the New York City Foundling Home to her birth mother, Kathryn White, on October 1, 1915. Three years later, she was adopted by John and Ella Quigley Mahoney of Jamestown, NY.  

She attended  Villa Maria Boarding School, 8th & Liberty and, in 1933, graduated from Mercyhurst Preparatory School. Mary went on to complete two years at Mercyhurst University before working in the lab at Penelec during the war.   She worked in Cataloging at Gannon University Library in "Old Main", participating in opening the new facility in the 1970s. Her love of reading continued long into her 90’s.   Mary was a formidable woman who lived life on her own terms and also brought joy to all she encountered along the way.

She married James C. McMahon of Erie in 1951; he preceded her in death in 1987.  Along with her adoptive parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved son-in-law, Nicholas W. Collins.  Mary leaves behind two daughters, Margaret (Maggie) McMahon Collins of Erie, Bridget Carlson Kippells (Kenneth) of Plano, TX, four grandchildren, Kelley Parel (Scott) Dallas, TX, Jim Carlson (Lindsey), Plano, TX, Patrick Collins, Grapevine, TX,  Maureen Collins Beene (Eric), Grapevine, TX,  four great-grandchildren and cherished friends, Margaret J. McMahon, Marilyn Reiser, Bill Reiser and Jack Carlson.

From 1987 through 2011 Mary joined her daughters and lived in  Texas.  

Four years ago, Mary returned to Erie to live at the lovely St. Mary's Home.   She and her family would like to express deep appreciation for the incredible staff that treated her with kindness, respect, caring and dignity.  

Arrangements are in the care of the Scott Funeral Home.   A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary's East on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11:00AM. Those wishing to attend are invited to meet the family 30 minutes before mass.  Internment was private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted with sincere appreciation for the BENEVOLENT FUND at St. Mary's Home.