"Dr. McMahon, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter. May you always hold dear to your heart the loving memories that you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time"
In loving memory of
Maura Jo McMahon
January 3, 1987 - May 29, 2020
Maura Jo McMahon, Mo, beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, and friend, entered eternal life on May 29, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 3, 1987, weighing 2 pounds 14 ounces, to Dr. Thomas P. and Jo-Ellen Lewis McMahon, she grew up in Portsmouth, RI where she was a shining light of joy and inspiration to friends and family. Mo was responsible for bringing so many people into our lives and we are forever grateful for the friends that cared so much about her. She entered and left the world far too early and will be missed by all.
She attended Meeting Street pre-school and Portsmouth schools. She received the Principals Award after graduating from Portsmouth High School in 2006. Maura participated in Learning Unlimited and Best Buddies at Salve Regina University. She was also the Head Chef of Cooking Club and won several Gold Medals while participating in the Rhode Island Special Olympics. Mo enjoyed traveling and especially loved long car rides with family, usually accompanied by Cara Gontarz Hume.
Mo spent her life battling countless setbacks but never let her disability get in the way of her love for life. She touched everyone she met and was the center of attention for all gatherings. She loved her family so much and treasured her time spent with her Nonni and Poppy. Her endearing wit and concern for others contributed to a life filled with many friends. She had an uncanny ability to remember and recite everyones schedule on a particular day. She loved to hear about her family and was quick to tell everyone when she found out about a secret. We will always remember her infectious laugh and caring personality.
In addition to her parents, Maura is survived by her brother Capt. Conor McMahon, USMC, his wife Melissa, and their son Patrick; sister Holly and her fianc Christopher Robert; sister Alana; grandmother Norma Lewis; many dear friends and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Maura joined her beloved Poppy, Nana and Doc in heaven and will live in our hearts for eternity.
The current environment allows for only limited visitation at a wake service. The family would like to invite all those who would like to pay their respects to a drive through wake on Tuesday June 2nd from 5pm-7pm at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.
A private funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3rd at 10:00 am at St. Barnabas Church, Portsmouth, RI. It will be streamed on YouTube at St. Barnabas Church Portsmouth, RI
Mauras Family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our friends at Looking Upwards, Portsmouth Fire and Rescue, and all the amazing staff at Newport Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Maura to Looking Upwards Inc., PO Box 4287 Middletown, RI 02842, and Portsmouth Fire Department, 2300 East Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Tributes
"Dr. McMahon and family. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your daughter. Sincerely,Marilyn Moffatt"
"Hello all!I send my heartfelt condolences to you all. This came into my fb feed tonight - always a reason! You all took your family inclusion of Maura to the max - and it was wonderful to see. Thank you for being her tribe; from the pics and the words shared, she was a lucky young woman and you all were blessed to share life with her. Maura sounds much like my daughter (2lbs. 9 oz!) a 30 week twin, but we do not have the physical/medical hurdles......special olympics are a huge outlet and former of friendships and activity. Maura's passing and the post of this in my feed causes me to think, reflect and internalize just how fragile and unknown their life is here on earth. I wish you all the blessings of peace, love and comfort that can come from keeping her memory alive! Seems as though she was pretty proud of you guys, too! Luv, hugs and blessings to all, Mary Ellen (Maine)"
"My sincere condolences to Maura's parents and family. One could not meet her, even in passing, and not feel the love she had for others. I know the joy in Maura's heart, the smiles, laughter, and kindness she shared with everyone will be forever remembered. We can take comfort in knowing that God remembers her too. Isaiah 26:19"
"Tom and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family always. Our children are to carry the light of our memories."
"So very sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you may you find peace in knowing that someday somewhere over the rainbow we shall all meet again "
"JoEllen, Tom, Holly, Conor, and Alana -What a remarkable young woman, and what a wonderful tribute your video is of her incredibly rich life, filled with family and friends who loved her so very much. My heart goes out to all of you. With love,Luba and Tim Flanigan"
"I consider Maura my hero. When I think of her, it is her smile I see first. She always asked about the boys, how are they, what are they up to. The love that her family showed to her was omnipresent. Tom was always at the ready to help feed or carry her. Her siblings always watched out for her. Nonnie was so supportive to all. JoEllen is unequaled in her love, as a mother, friend, nurse and baker (of brownies for one). I never ONCE heard Maura complain about her lot in life. A light of hope and joy has gone out, and greatly missed."
"Heaven has certainly gained another beautiful angel. Our precious girls are dancing and laughing together again. We love you and are here for you during this very difficult time. So much love from the O'Connor family to the McMahon family. You are all in our hearts."
"Dear Tom and JoEllen, We've been thinking of you both and recalling all the times we saw you demonstrate your great love and care for Maura over time. You, she and your family will continue to be in our thoughts."
"My condolences to you and your family. Maura was a wonderful young woman with a big personality and a great smile. It was a pleasure knowing her. During a recent conversation, Maura and I spoke about what were going to do the minute social distancing was lifted. She told me, cooking out with her family, eat hamburgers and chocolate ice cream. Then I shared what I would do. We laughed and laughed. Maura will be deeply missed."
"Thinking of you all with such a heavy heart. Prayers and hugs to help you through this challenging loss. I hope, in time, the treasured memories, will replace the sadness of this time."
"Jo Ellen and Tom,I am so saddened to hear of Mauras passing and deeply sorry for your familys immense loss. Maura was such a gift! To know her was to know the true essence of life and love. She embodied all the best qualities of humanity in one beautiful being. Maura had the ability to open doors with her charm and sense of humor. May loving memories fill your hearts and ease the pain of your loss in time. My thoughts and prayers."
"My name is Sherman Pines. I worked with Maura 4 over a year maybe almost to she was my little peanut she's a smart little lady when I retired he asked me will I call her and I did. Rest in peace little one but God has you as one of his angels"
"MO ask me why would I leaving and I told her because I was retiring. And she asked me will I hear from you again and I did I called her and I visited her he was a fun person"
"Dear Dr. and Mrs.MacMahon and family:Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. May the many happy memories that you have of her bring you comfort and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time for you."
"What I remember most about Maura was her infectious smile which would light up a room. I remember babysitting the girls when they were younger and she was always our entertainment, always making us laugh. She taught many people so many life lessons through her love, laughter and perseverance through adversity. She will be forever missed. God has truly gained a very special angel."
"I am so sorry for your loss. You are such a wonderful family and your devotion to Maura was endless. Sending prayers, love and hugs in this very difficult time. May you find peace."
"Tom Joellen Connor and family my sincere condolences to all of you on the passing of MOI will always remember the joy that she gave you and your wonderful family you will always remain in our prayers"
"It was with great sadness that I read of Maura's passing on. I can only guess, that God needed another Angel.There is a song, "Only The Good Die Young". she was a wonderful person. It was my pleasure to be of support for herfor several years.My prayers go out to the whole family. Support Team, Looking Upwards"
"Dear McMahon Family,I am so very sorry for your loss. Maura was such a nice friend to have in my life. Her smile always made me feel good. I will miss her too. I send my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you.Love,Michael Collins"
"Dear Jo-Ellen, Tom and Family,Our hearts go out to you at this time. Maura was such a shining, bright star. She touched so many lives with her gentle ways and her loving smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."Death brings a heartache that no one can heal.Love leaves a memory that no one can steal."Our deepest sympathy,Sheila and Charley Collins"
"Joellen and Tom, My heart aches for you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending love, Aggie Keeney"
"Dear Dr. McMahon and Family, My sincerest condolences for the loss of your dear Maura. She was an amazing person and touched the lives of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time."
"Dearest McMahon Family,Sending my deepest sympathy to you. I can hear Maura laughing as only Maura could and know that she is watching from the heavens. May all your beautiful memories warm your hearts in the days to come. Love to all."
"Dr McMahon, Jo-Ellen and Family,I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of Mauras passing. I know how much time and love you showed her during her short life. Heaven now has a beautiful angel to laugh and love. May the memories you have with your beautiful girl help the family to get through the coming days and weeks to acceptance and healing.With love I pray for you all.Linda Cotta. "
"Dear Tom, Jo-Ellen and Family, I send sincere sympathy and prayers to all of you as you mourn Maura's death. She was certainly surround by your love all her life. What a loss she is to so many people whose lives she touched over the years! May your faith, family and friends along with your treasured memories support and strengthen you in the days ahead. She will now be enjoying the fullness of life enfolded in God's loving embrace. With you in spirit and prayer, Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, fcJ"
"My condolences to the family"
"I want to share one of my special memories of being Mauras 1st grade teacher. One day the music teacher asked me to come see something very special. I watched my 1st graders glide smoothly around the room to the music of The Skaters Waltz. When the music stopped, two children took Mauras wheelchair and slowly moved her around the room. They smiled and said Maura was the Zamboni. Imagine, little 1st graders coming up with a way to include Maura. I was so proud of them. It was one of my most memorable experiences of my 34 year teaching career!!"
"So saddened by the news of Mauras passing. I looked forward to our port flush visits at the hospital so where we would talk about her and my daughter Caitlin Neronha as they went to school together. Let all your memories bring you comfort. Take care."
"Maura touched so many people with her beautiful mind and incredible soul. We cherish the 32 years of memories sharing so many events, milestones and gatherings with all of you, with Maura always in the center of all the laughter. All of us surrounding Maura and dancing together at Conor and Melissas wedding was such a sweet memory for me, I will never forget how happy she was! Run free our sweet girl, love you to the stars Ricky and Doll"
"To the McMahon family, I am so sadden to hear of Mauras passing. She was a very very special student of my wife Donna Combra. Perhaps now, they will reunite in the grace of God in heaven. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all."
"Tim, JoEllen and family. My sincere condolences to you all.Tom, I can clearly remember when you or JoEllen or both of you would bring Maura in to the oldER in her total body cast. She was so adorable and you both handled her care with ease. Maura had the best advocates and loving parents. You were all so lucky to have shared her life. May the following days and years bring you all peace and, in time, smiles and laughter in your memories of Maura. Love Sue Gibson"
" So sorry to hear the news of the passing of Maura. I would see her and her dad always having lunch at Newport Hospital's cafeteria. I would always see a smile on her face. My player's hold ride in my heart for your family. God bless."
"I am so very sorry for your loss."
"I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Maura. Her delivery of newspapers to hospital patients gave me the opportunity to get a peak at her delightful personality. I, and the patients, looked forward to her visits."
"Maura was a king and gentle soul who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.Sincerely and with much love,Mitch, Diana, Bryan and Kelsey Kriner"
"I loved going to school with Maura. She was such a kind friend to everyone and my sister Amys first friend. I was so happy to see you a few years ago at Stephanies birthday party. Amy and I love you, Maura. "
"I'm so sad to hear the news. I didn't work often at Looking Upwards, but when I did, I would like to spend time with Maura chatting and making sure she was comfy and happy. She will be missed. Jana."
"Maura was an angel to us all. She defied the odds and taught us how to look beyond what was evident and reach far beyond what anyone would expect. I am a better person for having been blessed to know her and your incredible family. My love to you all. Trish Martins"
"I remember our babysitting night and how every time mom and dad when out and the left hotdogs and I HATED giving them to her cuz Maura wouldnt chew them well enough and choke and scare me to death. Great soul glad to have known her"
"I am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Maura was very special to me. Being her 1st grade teacher was a wonderful gift and blessing. We learned so much from each other. She was a joy to have in my class. She always worked so hard and was truly an inspiration to me and her classmates. Thank you, Maura, for coming into my life. I will remember you, always."
"Jo Ellen and Dr. McMahon. My deepest sympathy for the loss of Maura. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I remember the wonderful stories we shared about Maura. May the the love and beautiful memories live in your hearts forever"