Lorraine Nanette (DeCelle) McMahon, 87, of Nashua, wife of William J. McMahon, died Sunday evening, March 1, 2015 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, due to complications resulting from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Lorraine was surrounded by her loving family.
A daughter of the late Alexander and Adrienne (Marquis) DeCelle, she was born in Nashua on May 20, 1927. Raised in the Crown Hill neighborhood of this city, Lorraine was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1947 and graduated from the former Nashua Business College.
Lorraine worked as an administrative assistant for many years with Memorial Hospital now Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, as well as for Doctors Olson, Taggart & Ong and later for Kopka Real Estate.
Her interests included cooking, baking and taking trips to the coast of Maine, especially Cape Elizabeth where she formerly resided. Lorraine was an avid Bridge player, enjoyed watercolor painting, arranging flowers in the most beautiful way and shopping. Lorraine held fond memories of her younger years, spending time with her childhood friend, the late Veronica “Sis” (Hickey) Williams; jitter bugging the night away, while also turning a few of the boys heads at the same time. They were quite a pair.
Lorraine had been in declining health the past few years with COPD and CHF. Her most recent battle proved to simply be too much for her to overcome. Her family is strengthened by the courage she has displayed in her attempt to overcome both this recent battle, and many other obstacles that life has dealt her along the way. We find comfort in our hearts knowing that she is once again able to enjoy the colors of a new Spring garden, the sounds of children playing on the beach and is dancing on a star for eternity.
Members of her family include her husband “Bill” McMahon with whom she shared 63 years together; three children, Kathleen French of Manchester, Shane P. McMahon and his spouse, Manon McMahon of Litchfield, and Shaun T. McMahon of Dublin, NH and his significant other, Patricia Pepin; four grandchildren, Kristin and Karrie French, Joshua McMahon and Shaina Conrad; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Estelle Pelletier of Nashua; also nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1 Sterling Road in Litchfield, NH, Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Visiting Nurse Association, 1070 Holt Avenue, Manchester, NH 03109.Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralcom
