Carolyn Dorothy Mahon

Carolyn Dorothy Mahon, née Grabowski, surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024, at the age of 84 after a brief illness. She was born on August 2, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland to Alexander and Anne Grabowski. Carolyn had a happy upbringing in Dundalk and attended St. Rita’s Catholic School and The Catholic High School of Baltimore. On a sunny day in the summer of 1958, Carolyn was introduced to Charlie Mahon on the Dundalk tennis courts. After Charlie met Carolyn, Charlie said to his friend, “I am going to marry her someday.” Charlie and Carolyn were inseparable for the next 67 years.

Carolyn attended the University of Maryland, at College Park, where she was an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and built lifelong friendships. Carolyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Education and taught English at Parkville High School. Carolyn remained a teacher throughout her life, always looking for creative opportunities to teach her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren something new.

On Thanksgiving Day 1962, Charlie and Carolyn were married at St. Rita’s Church in Dundalk. Carolyn and Charlie raised three children, Michelle, Ann, and Patrick Mahon, in Catonsville, Maryland. Carolyn took pride in being a mother and a pillar in her community. She was actively involved at the Westview Swim Club where she was the Teen Night Coordinator and was a member of the PTA at Johnnycake Elementary School. Carolyn was a Girl Scout Leader, Stock Club member, Book Club member for 30 years, and was an active Bunco and Tripoli player. Carolyn’s summers were defined by trips to Ocean City with her family. Carolyn loved Fishers Popcorn and fudge from the Seaside Country Store. Carolyn was well traveled and had fond memories of flying on a helicopter in Hawaii and exploring an ice glacier in Canada.

Carolyn’s many talents include, but are not limited to: Ping Pong playing, baking (especially Lemon Meringue Pie for her husband Charlie) poetry, writing, puzzles, Words with Friends, performing song and dance, and making friends with everyone she met. During Carolyn’s last vacation in Ocean City this summer, she performed in the family talent show- at 83 years old, Carolyn stood and balanced on one leg. WOW!

Carolyn was strong willed and outspoken, thoughtful and generous, and had the kindest heart. Carolyn’s final wish to her family and friends was to always be kind and spread kindness to the world.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Charlie Mahon, her children Michelle Farinelli (Rich), Ann Hanlon (Jack), Patrick Mahon (Julie), her grandchildren Katie Brooks (Harrison Dorne), Sarah Brooks Howe (Dave Howe), Caroline Bates (Ryan), Meghan Hanlon, Shannon Mahon, Ryan Mahon, Charlie Hanlon, Grace Mahon, and her great-grandchildren Emerson Brooks-Dorne, Henry Brooks-Dorne, Kayden Brooks-Howe, Carter Brooks-Howe, and dear friends that joined in moving from Catonsville to Ellicott City for the last season of her life; Annette and Joe DiLullo, Joan and Al Lehman, and Judy and Bob Hoke.

Carolyn will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who shared in the blessings of her life.

“Wine me up and watch me go…” – Carolyn Mahon

A Memorial gathering will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at St. Paul's Catholic Church (Dohany Hall) 3755 St. Paul St., Ellicott City, MD 21043 from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM, with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations or contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.