Karen Ann McMahon

Karen Ann McMahon, RRT CPFT, entered Eternal Reward on May 3, 2023 at age of 76. She was born February 27, 1947 to Lois Thompson in Wyandotte, Michigan. She was the strongest and kindest person in this world. She survived the crucible of a difficult childhood, cared for her siblings and put herself through school at Michigan State University. She transitioned into professional hospital work, serving and caring for others in a variety of roles culminating in management of respiratory therapy and serving in a variety of health systems. Karen married her beloved husband, Mark McMahon, on February 14, 1976. After her only and “miracle” child, Ryan, was born in 1984, she scaled back but ultimately opened a pulmonary lab for two physicians where she conducted pulmonary function testing. She was the best mother in the universe, always present and fighting for her son. She strived for and succeeded in giving him the best childhood and infinite love and support. She taught to always strive for the best, that attitude is everything, and happiness is a choice.

Karen’s kindness and compassion touched the lives of all who had the privilege to meet her. She made everyone feel welcome wherever she went. Karen was a constant beacon of hope, and source of support, guidance, and encouragement. Her warm hugs, quick wit, and infectious smile and laughter will be sorely missed. She loved reading, trivia, and Scrabble. She converted to Catholicism at age 50 and became a eucharistic minister in the parish and local hospital. Her grandchildren were her love, light, and her world, and how she beat cancer and kept on fighting to be here over the last decade to be able to be there for them. She was their # 1 fan.

Karen is survived by her husband, Mark; her son, Ryan; her daughter-in-law, Anne; her grandchildren, Cayden, Connor, and Collin; her sister Lori Rowland, and a beautiful extended family of siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at St. Joan of Arc with Father Rich officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at St. Joan of Arc from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Reception to follow. For those unable to attend in person, mass will be live streamed at http://livestream.stjoan.church/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph in Detroit, MI in Karen’s memory. Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of kindness, compassion, and love will live on. We will see her again in Heaven.