Obituary of Ann McMahon
McMahon, Catherine “Ann”
June 27, 1937 – June 20, 2024
Ann died peacefully in her home. She was predeceased by her husband Peter, her parents Frances and Fred Willis, her brothers Graham, Nick, Frank and George (Marlene).
Ann is survived by her children Tom, Mara (John Harrison), Mark and her grandchildren Nezren and Jacob, as well as her nieces and nephews and their children.
Born Catherine Ann Willis, she was raised in Flin Flon, Manitoba. She was a musician who believed her music was a gift to be shared with all. Ann attended the University of Saskatchewan and then did her teacher’s degree at the University of British Columbia. She met her husband Peter at her first teaching job and they had 46 wonderful and adventurous years together. As a family, they moved from Courtney, BC to Toronto and then to Perth in 1968. Aside from summers spent in Flin Flon and a year in Australia, Ann lived in Perth for the rest of her life. From there, she made many trips back to Australia and New Zealand to visit family as well as other trips to see different parts of Canada.
Ann taught music in several local elementary schools: North Elmsley, Drummond Centre, Queen Elizabeth and The Stewart School. She used her piano skills to play for rehearsals and in the orchestra for many Perth Community Choir productions. Ann conducted the Tay Valley Choir for a number of years and retired as conductor of the St. Paul’s Handbell Choir in May of this year. She shared her gift of music at Lanark Lodge, St. John’s Church and most recently at Boyd’s United Church.
Ann’s home was always open to her many friends, neighbours and former students.
Visitation will be held at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W. Perth on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral service will be held at St Paul’s United Church, 25 Gore St. W. Perth on Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.
For those wishing to view the funeral ceremony virtually please click here.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation (Perth Site) or Perth & District Community Foundation for the Hospice Hub Community Hospice Care.