Joan E Mcmahon

Private Burial will take place for Joan Ellen McMahon at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon. Joan was born on December 7, 1921 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She grew up in Canada with her two brothers, Eric and Paul, and passed away at her home in Portland, Oregon on January 29, 2012 at age 90 .

During World II, she met her future husband, Edward William McMahon, an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force at a military-sponsored dance in Montreal. Ed always lovingly said that Joan charged 10 cents a dance for all the other service members, but she charged him 25 cents a dance. After a short courtship, Ed sold his prized automobile, his only possession, to buy Joan an engagement ring. They married on Canada Day, July 1, 1944, a holiday similar to our 4th of July.

Joan and Ed had four children, Mick, Diane, Chris and Susan. In 1963, the family moved to California where they looked forward to a new life with more sunshine. As a couple, Joan and Ed enjoyed bowling, square dancing, and playing cribbage and other card games with friends and family. They were active members of the Elks Lodge, and belonged to the Presbyterian Church.

In California, Joan especially enjoyed the fellowship and friends in her sorority, Phi Beta Phi. She was very active as a teacher's aide and she was a highly visible volunteer throughout all of her children's elementary school years.

After a number of years in California, the family relocated to Southwest Portland because they missed the changing seasons. Joan initially worked at Meier & Frank, but, because she spent more money than she made on the Friday Surprise Sales at the store, she decided to change jobs and moved to the Loan Department at First National Bank in downtown Portland. Several years later, Joan obtained a realtor's license and sold real estate until her retirement at 84.

Joan loved and was very proud of her family, especially her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was a caring and loyal friend to many, particularly to those in need.

Joan spent her last three years at Laurel Parc Senior Living Center in Bethany. She was a founding member at Laurel Parc and part of the Laurel Parc Welcoming Committee that greeted new residents. She truly enjoyed living at Laurel Parc and had many friends there. Joan also enjoyed treating her family to candlelight dinners on Thursday nights. Her tables were often filled with up to 14 family members.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Edward William McMahon, and her late-in-life loyal friend and companion, Bill Reinland. Joan is survived by her children Edward (Mick) McMahon, Diane Siler, Christopher McMahon, Susan Sale, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family wishes to send their love and gratitude to Providence Hospice and to the care givers at Laurel Parc for their diligence in making sure our mother's final weeks were comfortable and pain free. A private memorial will be held for family members.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.