Obituary of Joan MCMAHON

MCMAHON, Joan 1942 – 2017 Born at the time of the bloodiest conflict in history, Joan Carole McMahon spent parts of her childhood in some of the most rugged regions of this great country. Her chores included protecting the homestead from wolverines and bears, as well as walking uphill (both ways) in blizzards to fetch food and firewood. The family eventually settled in Calgary (because it’s CALGARY!). Joan was educated by the Calgary Catholic School District and graduated from the much historied St. Mary’s Girls School, granting her Divine Approval to enlist in the Canadian Navy. She served at a time when words such as ‘Détente’, ‘Brinkmanship’, and ‘Missile Crisis’ entered the common vernacular. Joan had many duties, one of which was being a submarine hunter on board marine reconnaissance aircraft, protecting our waters from Soviet incursions. It was by sheer luck that no Soviets crossed paths with Joan, for surely the filthy interlopers would have been sent to a watery grave. Joan’s next assignment came abruptly, but with great national importance: The procurement and training of three new recruits. All of her life experiences to this point gave Joan the necessary skill sets to shape these recruits into exemplary citizens. Joan had an intensity that allowed her to tackle many activities and overcome obstacles. Her interests included crafts, reading, giving proper advice and ensuring her recruits never strayed from the True Path. Joan enjoyed travel and in her later years she twice visited Cuba as a “vacation”, but many close to her believe she went to ensure ALL the missiles were removed. Joan was involved in volunteerism, most recently being the Poppy Fund and the KMITT program at the Sunrise Community Link Resource Center. With unwavering resolve, yet a body wracked by pain and illness, Joan Carole McMahon was forced to stand down on April 8, 2017. Pioneer…Cold War Era Warrior…Mother… A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive N.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, hug your parents or children (if you can). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Joan McMahon, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 403- 248-8585.