Obituary
Audrey Isabelle McMahon
February 19, 1927 to December 11, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Audrey McMahon on December 11, 2020 in Terrace Bay, Ontario at the age of 93.
Mom was born in Teulon, Manitoba to parents Harvey and Maude and became part of a family of 11 children.
Audrey was raised during the depression by her paternal grandma Gibson who played a strong role in her life and was much loved by Audrey. Her stories of her grandma were endless and the respect that Audrey had for her was never broken. Audrey appreciated how unselfish her grandma was and that she did her very best to provide for Audrey and to ensure that they did not go without, if possible. Audrey took every chance she could of her education and right up to the last few years when her health was still at its best, she was able to recall essays, poems, history and her teacher’s names and the kids that attended school with her. It was not uncommon to find that Audrey had enrolled herself in mini courses to continue her education over the years.
On July 8, 1944, Mom married James McMahon and on June 8, 1945 Little Jimmy was born. In 1946, and with a small one in tow, they made their way by train to Geraldton, Ontario to start their new life together. Living in a tent with such a young child was not easy and she suffered a bout with yellow jaundice. Dad was kept busy with working and building their new house, which they lived in until Dad died in 2005 and Mom moved to Marathon in 2016.
Mom was a faithful parishioner and very involved with the St. James Anglican Church in Geraldton and enjoyed being part of the choir. Quite often she would be involved in the perogy making process that was held downstairs in the church basement as a fundraiser. She never had the chance to freeze the ones that she brought home as we would devour them. She was always available to help out in the community when needed. For a few years, Audrey would be a common visitor in the Palliative Ward at the Geraldton Hospital as she volunteered to sit with patients, acquaintances and friends and often comforted those in their final days. Mom loved to sing and had such a terrific memory for many of the old marvellous songs that she cherished. Quite often we would hear her and her sister-in-law Elsie McMahon singing together. She could quote word for word many of the old poems that she learned in school and the ballad of «Sam Magee» was one of her favourites.
Mom belonged to the Senior’s club, played euchre and was treasurer for a number of years. Also a participant in the local Geritol Band where they performed in costume with their homemade musical instruments and had such fun with the activities and actions that was part of their groups persona. Mom loved to socialize and was most pleased when someone dropped over for tea and goodies. There are countless photographs showing her surrounded by family and friends at her kitchen table. When one of her close friends came by there was no doubt the kettle was boiling or the coffee pot was percolating. When Margaret Magee, a dear special friend, arrived for a cup of tea it gave Audrey an opportunity to get out the special china of tea cups and saucers. Both of these gals were determined if they were going to drink tea they were going to do it right.
Mom was very proud of her family and spent many hours over the years sharing stories with her kids and grandkids. Audrey had a green thumb and liked to spend time in her backyard vegetable garden and to add more flowers to her ever growing flower beds. Elsie McMahon, her sister in-law who was more like a best friend would often be seen together at different social functions. It was routine to have Audrey call the gals up and have their weekly Scrabble Game and to have the ever handy dictionary available for use. Karen Evans was a friend from «up on the hill» that Audrey bonded with and Karen took such great care of her and they were often seen shopping uptown together. John and Diane Magee have been absolutely wonderful friends to Audrey over the years and have done countless visits on checking on Audrey and sitting there and enjoying a visit with her; they would use the excuse of checking on her but were there because of the bond that they had for each other. There are so many friends that have a special place in her heart and the list would be endless please know she never forgot anyone.
Audrey was a hard worker and earned an excellent reputation in various employment opportunities, but we think her favourites were working as a Bell Telephone Operator for Bell Canada at the office located in Geraldton and working as Physiotherapist Assistant at the Geraldton District Hospital under the management of Physiotherapists Jim and Michelle Strong. At that time, she had the extra responsibility of working with the long term patients and ensuring that she strive to have them participate in their daily work out routines. The Strong’s became lifelong friends as well as co-workers.
Family gatherings at the cottage on Wild Goose brought good times and photo opportunities under the birch trees out in front of the cottage. We will miss not having her there for the next visit where everyone is able to come. Being close to the lake she always had to wait for all of us to be off the lake from fishing and how she worried each time until we were all on shore. But she sure enjoyed a pickerel feast which we always hoped there was some homemade blueberry pie to go with it.
Over the years, Mom and Dad opened their hearts and home to a number of foster children and became adoptive parents to 2 of those children. Mom was predeceased by Dad in July of 2005, son Jimmy in 2006 and son Ron in 2011.
Mom is survived by siblings, Jessie, Roy, Cecil, and Stewart and was predeceased by siblings David, Mary, Basil, Doris, Ethel, Edith, and Mary.
Mom is survived by her children Dan (Barb) McMahon, Barb (Wayne) Savage, Tim (Jackie) McMahon, Daughter in Law Anne McMahon. Plus, Grandchildren Shawn, Dana, Brett, Kari-Anne , Jory, Tyler, Matthew and Sheldon and Great Grandchildren Aliera, Ceanna, Brooklyn, Avah, and Zayne.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for Karen Jensen for all her phone calls.
Also, towards the loving care and compassion Mom received at the Wilkes Terrace Long Term in Terrace Bay. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all the staff working at Wilkes Terrace during these trying times. Thank you for taking care of Audrey and being with her during her last days holding her hand and being with her in her last moments. Audrey was a part of your family, as she was ours and we know you are just as saddened as we are of her passing.
The staff always showed such loving care and kindness towards Audrey and took the time to get to know her. During her last few days, Tim was able to be there for Mom and to observe the bond that she had for everyone there. Mom you wanted to go home, and we are going to make sure your wish comes true.
A service will be held at a later date and in better times, when we can all gather to celebrate Mom’s life.
As per wishes, and lieu of flowers, donations to McCausland Hospital-Wilkes Terrace and or to Geraldton District Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
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December 11 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Audrey McMahon December 11 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Geraldton, Province: Ontario