Obituary of Mary Josephine Mahoney

Mary “Joanne” Mahoney of Navarre, Florida passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on April 14th, 2025. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother and friend to countless. Her surviving children are Stephen, Maureen, and Jennifer. But, we can’t forget our beloved sister and her daughter, Mary “Sis” Trina Mahoney, who passed away suddenly in 2023. Our mom was a true warrior for the Catholic faith who dedicated her life as a staunch advocate to the people with special needs. She served in many roles for the Peoria Association for Retarded Citizens (PARC), including President, through most of the 1970s and 80s. She also co-founded with Sister Elaine the Special People Encounter Christ (SPEC). This program paired a special needs person with high school students, similar to Big Brother, Big Sister Program. This program forever changed the lives of both the special needs people and high school students. The family would like to thank all those who have reached out sharing memories and prayers and especially those who supported us in her final days (you know who you are). Though she may be gone, her memory will live on in the hearts of those of the many who knew and loved her. Her urn was constructed with the same wood and stain that her children used to reconstruct her kitchen and bathrooms.

Family and friends are welcome to attend her mass at St. Sylvester’s Church on May 5th at 10:00 AM, followed by a repast, and finally her internment into the niche with her beloved husband, Joseph A. Mahoney and Sis at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1300 E Hayes St, Pensacola, FL 32503 at 1:00PM.

.