Patricia Ann McMahon (nee Doherty), who entered this life on Valentine’s Day 1935, passed peacefully in her home of over 50 years while surrounded by her children. Patricia “Pat” was the epitome of her birthdate as she brought love with her all the days of her long life.
Patricia Ann was born and raised in the Vailsburg section of Newark. The only daughter, she was greatly favored by her father Charles and much loved by her mother Anna. She grew up in a home with her five brothers: Charles “Buddy”, Jack, Gene, Bobby and Jim. All of whom she loved and who have predeceased her. Patricia’s early education began at Sacred Heart School and culminated in her 1952 graduation from St. Vincent’s Academy in Newark. A lifelong supporter of St. Vincent’s, Patricia was grateful for the rigorous curriculum that rivaled today’s university instruction. An avid reader, Patricia’s lifelong quest for knowledge was an inspiration to her children and all that knew her well.
After graduation Patricia began working at Prudential in Newark. Pat had fond memories of her time at the “Pru”. While on a date at Cricklewood, Patricia noticed a young man walking in. Thus John “Jack” McMahon entered her life. Soon they were inseparable and after Jack was drafted into the Army, but before he was deployed to Germany, they were married on March 8, 1958.
Soon after the wedding, Pat joined Jack in Aschaffenburg, Germany. This was a magical time for the young couple and Pat frequently reminisced about their adventures throughout Europe. This time forged a strong bond, and upon their return to the United States their days of being alone would be short-lived. Beginning in 1962 they would start building a family together. This building project would continue through to the end of 1975. All told, Patricia would give birth to nine children: John, Robert, Owen, Kate, Tim, Terry, Patrick, Deirdre and Michael.
Pat and Jack originally began raising their family in the Oranges but in 1971, with their home in West Orange bursting at the seams, they brought their growing family to a large Victorian house on River Road in Rumson where the last three of their children were born.
Patricia took to Rumson immediately. She loved having the Navesink River at the end of the street. The view of the river from her bedroom window was a sight of which she never tired. Whether calm and reflective as glass, or wild and roiling with whitecaps, she was spiritually inspired by its beauty. She further rejoiced in the bounty of fish and crabs that the river provided her growing family. Between Jack’s garden and the fish, crabs, clams and mussels her children harvested from the River, Pat was able to set a table in the summer that would rival any five-star restaurant. Patricia took great pride in all her children’s accomplishments and always was an encouraging and loving presence in their lives. Fueled by a love of travel and adventure Paticia accompanied Jack on his trips with the Federal Defender’s Office, fostering new friendships wherever she went. Pat and Jack would take their children collectively and/or in pairs on many of their travels. Favorite early destinations were Bermuda and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Eventually Pat and Jack acquired two vacation homes that gave them great pleasure. A condominium in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico and a house in Harborton, Virginia. Patricia loved these destinations and was welcomed by neighbors in both locations.
Pat and Jack’s close friends Tom and Joan Higgins were frequent companions in Puerto Rico and the Outer Banks. The McMahons and Higgins blended their families together over their many decades. So much so, that Pat looked upon Tom and Joan’s children (Elizabeth, Steve, Susan, Tommy and Michael) as an extension of her family.
Patricia’s great faith was instilled in her by her mother and father and nurtured by the sisters at St. Vincents. However, Patricia’s faith was most visible in the love she had for the simplest of God’s gifts. She loved Nature. She loved the sea and the river. She loved flowers. But more than anything else, Patricia loved babies and children. She adored all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All will miss their Gram who always greeted them with laughter and treats.
Pat lost the love of her life when Jack died in June of 2024. Despite her deep grief, she still found joy in each day and always reflected on the wonderful life that she and Jack built together. They traveled the United States and the World together. Now their earthly journey is complete, and they are with God for Eternity.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents Charles and Anna Doherty, her brothers and sisters-in-laws Buddy (Doloras/Rita), Jack (Terri) Gene (Bernice), Bobby and Jim (Cathy). She is survived by all her children: John (Mari), Robert, Owen, Kate Sharkey (Michael), Tim (Heather), Terry (Sarah), Patrick (Ilona), Deirdre and Michael (Tracy); her grandchildren: John (Erica), Mary Barcellona (Chris), Peadar, Liam, Michael F., Zaniah, Melia, Marykate, Emmett, Aidan (Dary), William (Cailyn), Jake, Jack, Alex and Michael T. as well as her great-grandchildren, Lucy, Beckett, Summer and Molly. Patricia is also survived by her sister-in-law Roymane and her many nieces and nephews. Their recent visits gave her much joy and the perfume from Eugene’s continual bouquets of flowers filled her room throughout this cold winter.
We would be remiss if we did not conclude with reflecting upon Patricia’s deep commitment to helping the poor and fostering social justice in the world. Her faith demanded much and she answered the call throughout her life. She gave of herself to her neighbors. She was active in fostering social change through political action and expected others to do likewise. She was devoted to the works of the Maryknoll Missioners, the Catholic Worker as well as St. Vincent’s Academy and a multitude of others doing good works. She truly lived a life fueled by love, faith, prayer and action.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7th from 4-7 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 8th at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 27 Oratory Way, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Interment is private.
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