Obituary for Mike McMahon
Peacefully and surrounded by the love of his family, Francis Michael (Mike) McMahon passed away at Woodstock Hospital on May 3, 2022, in his 75th year. Devoted husband, soulmate and confidante of Ruth (Steinacker) for 51 years. Loving father of Michael (Kristine) and their children Ani-Jane, Francis, Filomena, Shannon and Leona; Erin and her children Seth, Eddie, John and Adam; Patrick and his children Phoenix and Milton; and Nolan (Amberlea) and their children Conall and Elin.
Mike was born on August 22, 1947, in Toronto, Ontario and spent his early life in Port Credit, Ontario. He is one of seven children born to Frank and Nancy (Johnston) McMahon. Dear brother to Mary Jean (Barry) Wensley, late Nancy (Paul) Haskett, late Jim (Barb), Cathy (Bob) Sunstrum, Ed (Lorraine), and Dorothy (Tony) Kern.
Mike was blessed as an infant with his parents' choice of Godparents. Siblings (late) Edward (Bud) and Helen Osborne cared for Mike as a child and with their prayers throughout his life. Along with their sisters Leona and Jane, the Osbornes took Mike in as one of their own, beloved.
Mike met the love of his life, Ruth, and they were married December 19, 1970. Mike is the beloved brother-in-law of Nora (Emerson) Martin, Lorene (late Gord) Morrice, Thelma (Ernie) Smith, Hazel (Joe) Hislop, the late Eric Steinacker, and the late brother figure Arthur (Jodie) Connor.
Mike will be missed by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, former students, colleagues, co-workers, teammates and friends.
Mike excelled at athletics and building relationships which ultimately opened many doors throughout his remarkable life. He was a nationally recognized college football and professional lacrosse player. Mike was a dedicated educator for over 30 years and spent time both in the classroom and in administration as vice principal and finished his career in education as Principal at St. Mary High School (14 years) in Woodstock. After retiring from education in 2001, Mike went on to a second career for the Province of Ontario as His Worship, Justice of the Peace for 16 years. Mike retired in 2019 after his health started failing due to a dementia diagnosis. In the fall of 2020 Mike was honoured by the naming “Mike McMahon Gymnasium” at St. Mary High School (https://youtu.be/v8FWWu1vW0U).
Dementia robbed Mike and his family of so many memories and experiences. Nevertheless, he never lost the twinkle in his eye and kept his mischievous sense of humour right up to his final days. A recent diagnosis with cellulitis brought a difficult time in Mike’s life to an end. Very special thanks to the professionals at Alzheimer’s Society, Woodingford Lodge, and Woodstock Hospital who cared for Mike with deep skill, patience, and love.
Mike was a natural leader - he was a beloved teacher, coach, mentor, and father-figure to many. Mike cheered hardest for underdogs in life and in sports, except for his favourite Montreal Canadiens, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks. Mike held a deep Catholic faith, and he was active in parishes in Mississauga, Acton, and Woodstock. Mike had a deep view of accountability where he challenged himself and other leaders with his calling “What Would Jesus Do?”. He will be greatly missed.
“Football is like life. You plan and try to execute the plan. If the plan fails, you try again with a new plan. You have more than one chance to be a winner.” Mike McMahon
The family will welcome visitors at the SMITH-LeROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington St. N, Woodstock on Monday, May 9, 2022 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Parish Prayers will be said at 4 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Parish, 1420 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock on
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11 am with Fr. Andrew Kowalczyk as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Woodstock, ON
In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Society Southwest Partners, CMHA Thames Valley, or VON Sakura House Hospice, or a charity of choice.
Visitation and funeral services will be FRAGRANCE FREE to ensure guests with allergies can enjoy fellowship with everyone.
Mike was born on August 22, 1947, in Toronto, Ontario and spent his early life in Port Credit, Ontario. He is one of seven children born to Frank and Nancy (Johnston) McMahon. Dear brother to Mary Jean (Barry) Wensley, late Nancy (Paul) Haskett, late Jim (Barb), Cathy (Bob) Sunstrum, Ed (Lorraine), and Dorothy (Tony) Kern.
Mike was blessed as an infant with his parents' choice of Godparents. Siblings (late) Edward (Bud) and Helen Osborne cared for Mike as a child and with their prayers throughout his life. Along with their sisters Leona and Jane, the Osbornes took Mike in as one of their own, beloved.
Mike met the love of his life, Ruth, and they were married December 19, 1970. Mike is the beloved brother-in-law of Nora (Emerson) Martin, Lorene (late Gord) Morrice, Thelma (Ernie) Smith, Hazel (Joe) Hislop, the late Eric Steinacker, and the late brother figure Arthur (Jodie) Connor.
Mike will be missed by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, former students, colleagues, co-workers, teammates and friends.
Mike excelled at athletics and building relationships which ultimately opened many doors throughout his remarkable life. He was a nationally recognized college football and professional lacrosse player. Mike was a dedicated educator for over 30 years and spent time both in the classroom and in administration as vice principal and finished his career in education as Principal at St. Mary High School (14 years) in Woodstock. After retiring from education in 2001, Mike went on to a second career for the Province of Ontario as His Worship, Justice of the Peace for 16 years. Mike retired in 2019 after his health started failing due to a dementia diagnosis. In the fall of 2020 Mike was honoured by the naming “Mike McMahon Gymnasium” at St. Mary High School (https://youtu.be/v8FWWu1vW0U).
Dementia robbed Mike and his family of so many memories and experiences. Nevertheless, he never lost the twinkle in his eye and kept his mischievous sense of humour right up to his final days. A recent diagnosis with cellulitis brought a difficult time in Mike’s life to an end. Very special thanks to the professionals at Alzheimer’s Society, Woodingford Lodge, and Woodstock Hospital who cared for Mike with deep skill, patience, and love.
Mike was a natural leader - he was a beloved teacher, coach, mentor, and father-figure to many. Mike cheered hardest for underdogs in life and in sports, except for his favourite Montreal Canadiens, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks. Mike held a deep Catholic faith, and he was active in parishes in Mississauga, Acton, and Woodstock. Mike had a deep view of accountability where he challenged himself and other leaders with his calling “What Would Jesus Do?”. He will be greatly missed.
“Football is like life. You plan and try to execute the plan. If the plan fails, you try again with a new plan. You have more than one chance to be a winner.” Mike McMahon
The family will welcome visitors at the SMITH-LeROY FUNERAL HOME, 69 Wellington St. N, Woodstock on Monday, May 9, 2022 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Parish Prayers will be said at 4 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Parish, 1420 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock on
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11 am with Fr. Andrew Kowalczyk as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Woodstock, ON
In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Society Southwest Partners, CMHA Thames Valley, or VON Sakura House Hospice, or a charity of choice.
Visitation and funeral services will be FRAGRANCE FREE to ensure guests with allergies can enjoy fellowship with everyone.