It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, Ella Margaret Beatrice (Sinclair) McMahon, 91, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. with her loving family by her side.
Mom was born Dec. 22, 1918 in Rainy River, Ont. to the late William and Lottie Sinclair.
On Feb. 21, 1941, she married the love of her life, Terrance (Bud) McMahon. Most of their married life was spent here in Fort Frances.
Mom’s family was her life. Raising 10 children was her full-time job, which she took great pride and joy in doing.
As her children grew, so did her family, which she continued to nurture with much love and support. Mom was always there to give a helping hand to her siblings, many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends who arrived on her doorstep.
There was always a pot of tea, cookies, or something fresh out of the oven to welcome everyone home.
Our precious memories of Mom will never fade.
Mom is survived by five generations, consisting of four sons, Terry (Yvonne) of Woodview, Ont., and Jim (Judy), Dean (Patty), and Russ (Jackie) of Fort Frances, Ont.; four daughters, Carol (Milt) Strachan of Fort Frances, Ont., Brenda of Peterborough, Ont., and Cheryl (John) Bodnarchuk and Denise (Bob) Miller of Fort Frances, Ont.; one son-in-law, Jim Fowler of Fort Frances, Ont.; and 40 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.
Also surviving is her youngest sister, Lillian Tucker; sisters-in-law, Helen Sinclair and Connie Sinclair of Fort Frances, Ont.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. And if you knew Mom, you were somehow related.
Mom was predeceased by Dad, Terrance (Bud) McMahon; her daughter, Shirley Fowler, and grandson, Larry Fowler; son, Ralph and daughter-in-law, Glenda; nine brothers, John, Robert, Tom, Norman, Gordon, Melvin, George, Edward, and Ronnie; and three sisters, Florence Adams, Violet Sandmoen, and Katie Sinclair.
Mom’s interests and hobbies were the Catholic Women’s League, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary Br. #29, Seniors Club 27, and quilting with the ladies at Green and Rose Manors.
Mom also enjoyed spending time on the lake camping with family and friends. Her time at Ash Bay was cherished and full of good times and laughter.
Mom’s last years were spent in the Special Care Unit at Rainycrest.
Mom’s legacy she left us all with was the understanding of unconditional love and the importance of family.
Family and friends may visit Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with prayers being offered at 7:30 p.m.
Cremation will take place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Jose Marattil as celebrant.
A private interment with immediate family will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances at a later date.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Kenora-Rainy River Districts c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
