Kathleen Joan Mahoney

Kathleen Joan Mahoney passed away on September 30, 2015, in Gresham, Oregon leaving a legacy of service to her family, her country and her faith. Kathleen was born on April 14, 1931, in Ocean Lake, Oregon, to her parents; Lawrence F and Zora Sylvia (Dalrymple) Mahoney. Kathleen grew up in the Portland area, and attended St. Andrews and St Mary’s Academy in Portland, graduating in 1948. Kathleen then entered Providence School of Nursing, and graduated in 1951. Following her schooling, she enlisted in the Air Force attending the United States Air Force Flight Nurse School in Montgomery, Alabama, and graduated in 1954. During her nursing career, Kathleen was an instructor at Providence School of Nursing and while on duty with the U.S. Airforce, serving in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Kathleen served Active Duty in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1956, Active Reserve from 1956 to 1959, and then Active Duty again from 1960 to 1966. She then retired from the military due to a service connected disability. During her time in the service, Kathleen earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Occupation Medal, attaining the rank of Captain.

After Kathleen’s military career, she went to work for the Veterans Hospital. Upon retirement from the VA Hospital, Kathleen sold real estate and was active in her local church parish, including St. Augustine, Lincoln City, OR and St. Henry in Gresham.

Kathleen earned many honorable mentions in her lifetime. She was a member of MENSA, the School of Aviation Medicine, the Association of Military Surgeons, and served on the Saudi Arabia Training Mission.

Kathleen had a strong faith coupled with deep sense of integrity; her letters to the editor were often published, she spent time each day praying for her family, and she had a knack for solving puzzles. Her pets held a special place in her heart. She was also an avid reader, and she collected family memorabilia that will be passed on to her surviving family members to preserve their heritage.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her mother, Zora Dalrymple; her father, Lawrence Mahoney; her step father, Ray E Marler; her brothers, Lawrence F Mahoney, Jr. and James T Mahoney; and her sisters, Colleen M Donaldson and Michelle R Minkler.

Kathleen is survived by her brothers, Patrick J Mahoney, Michael J Mahoney, Dennis J Mahoney, and William R Marler; her sisters, Sylvia R Lindberg, Ardith R Ford, and Mary L Murphy; as well as 152 Nieces and Nephews in 3 generations, and her cat Punkin.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 3 pm to 6:30 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, with a Recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 11 am at St. Henrys Catholic Church in Gresham with a luncheon immediately following. Interment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery on Monday, October 12, 2015 at 11:30 am. She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Archdiocese of Portland/Mt. Angel Abbey, Legacy Hospice, or your local animal shelter.