Shirley Mae Mahoney

Shirley was born on May 13, 1931, to Ted & Kathryn Naill in Orange, CA. Shirley graduated from Santa Ana high school in 1949. She met the love of her life, James E. Mahoney in 1947 while singing in the church choir at First Presbyterian church of Santa Ana. They were married on May 26, 1950, and celebrated an amazing 73 years of love and happiness together.

Shirley went to Johnson’s Business College before she started her family. Shirley & James welcomed their first daughter Kathy in 1951 and their second daughter Karen in 1953. They raised their family in Orange, CA where she lived until her passing.

Shirley enjoyed being involved in circle and volunteering at The First Presbyterian church of Orange as well as her community bible study group. Shirley stayed in touch with her childhood friends. She attended her high school reunions until they stopped. Shirley was kind, giving and loving to everyone. To know Shirley was to love her.

Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling with her husband, children, and grandchildren. They visited most of the United States, cruised to Alaska, The Caribbean, and the Mediterranean to name a few. She also visited The Holy Land on an expedition tour. One of her favorite places to visit was Hawaii with her entire family. Shirley was happiest when she was spending time with her family.

Shirley will be greatly missed by her husband of 73 years, James E Mahoney, daughters Kathy Cates, Karen Masters (Bill), grandchildren Jack Nanigian, Heidi Nanigian, Ashley Kuest (Joseph) and Melissa Masters-Laughery (Richard), great grandchildren Reagan Laughery, Ricky Laughery and Charlotte Mae Laughery, as well as many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of life will be held for Shirley at First Presbyterian Church of Orange 191 N. Orange St., Orange, CA, 92866 on November 8, 2023, at 11:30 am. Everyone is invited to attend.