"At our Connect group a few years ago, Flo told me that she wanted me to dance during worship at her funeral, and we all had a good laugh about it. But this past year I kept thinking that she certainly couldn't go home to be with the Lord until I was in shape to dance again. I guess the Lord couldn't wait to have her with Him! However, for the first time since covid, I went to church last night for the Worship and Waiting service. And what a great picture I got of Flo with her beautiful smile, dancing with the Lord--and with my mother, who died in 2008 and loved to dance! They both had wedding dresses on, and were so happy to be dancing with Jesus! Flo smiled that wonderful bubbly smile, held her hand out to me, and waited for me to dance along with them. I had told myself before worship began, that unless it was clearly from the Lord, I wouldn't dance--too old, too many aching joints, and it's for younger folks. But the picture of her holding her hand out to me wouldn't go away, so although it took a bit of courage to get up from the pew and dance, that's exactly what I did. Two days late, Flo, but I know the three of us were dancing for/with Jesus, and it was heavenly! I can't wait to be there! I love you, Flo! "
In loving memory of
Florence McMahon
January 8, 1938 - February 16, 2021
Florence McMahon went home to be with the Lord on February 16, 2021 while surrounded by her family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
Florence was was born on January 8, 1938 in the town of Howe in Oconto County, WI, which was part of the Menominee Native American Nation. Her parents, Mylen and Deloris Guelker, were share crop farmers with her grandparents. Later the family, which included a brother Marshall, moved to Gillett, WI where they attended school. Florence graduated from High School in 1955 and immediately entered the Green Bay School of Cosmetology. She graduated and began practicing in Cecil, WI.
In 1958 Florence married James McMahon and they moved to Madison so Jim could finish his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For the next three years she was employed at Barons on the Square to support her husband and herself.
In November 1961, Florence gave birth to daughter Beth and in March 1964, to daughter Stephanie. The family then purchased the first of four homes in Monona where Florence and Jim lived happily for the next 60 years. Both daughters attended Monona schools and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
It was very important to Florence that people around her felt provided for and loved. Throughout her lifetime she housed and cared for women who needed support to complete their educations or otherwise make it on their own. One such young lady who asked for a place to stay for two weeks lived with Florence for over two years. Florence also served in Hospital Hospitality, a group that provided people in need with lodging, food, and transportation so that they could come to the UW Hospital for treatment.
Florence and Jim were strong believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and fervently supported their church, missionaries, and other organizations of believers. Florence had no doubt as to where she would spend eternity.
Florence is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Beth (Jeff Brown) and Stephanie (Chris Bartley), and granddaughter Paige Bartley.
A celebration of life will be held at City Church on Friday, February 26, with visitation at 12 PM and a funeral at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Agrace HospiceCare Inc.
Please use this link to view the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=28ecacfb-cd8f-4801-8836-cffbf0f6e775
Tributes
" Ken and Carol Allan So sorry to hear of Florence's passing. We are sure she is looking down on us with her beautiful smile and is happy to be with the Lord. She will be remembered by her positive attitude and her love of her husband and family and most of all Jesus. "
"?I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.? Psalms 27:13 (NKJV). We celebrate the great faith of our Aunt Flossie, her love for this Bible verse, and the beautiful way she lived it out. With sadness we let her go from our midst, but with joy we retain the memories of how she shared the goodness of the Lord with us.
Jay & Stacey "