Fr. Joseph McMahon

Rev. Joseph Sherman McMahon passed away peacefully in the company of family at the age of 83.Joseph was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Robert and Pearle McMahon. He moved to Portland as a young child when his father took a job in the shipyards during WW II. Joseph committed his life to ministry to others as a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon.Joseph was the eldest of eight children and joined the seminary at Mt. Angel at the age of 14 for high school and college. He studied theology at the University of Louvain in Belgium and was ordained in June of 1968. He served as associate pastor and pastor at churches in Medford, Oregon City, Portland, Gresham and Lake Oswego. He retired in 2012 and continued to minister for many years by providing weekend and vacation coverage for active priests. Joseph served on the Board of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgy Commissions, as well as the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission.Joseph focused on serving others through his ministry and was committed to family and close friends. He was an avid reader, enjoyed music, gardening and traveling. He enjoyed mentoring younger priests and working collaboratively with parish councils. He dabbled in photography and had sincere intent to learn to play golf but didn't have the time to master that.Joseph is survived by siblings Anne McMahon, Mary Hein, Sara McHugh (Mike), Patty Goss (Bill), and James McMahon. He was close to his nieces and nephews Susan Haarman, Steven Balaski, Mark McMahon, Patrick McMahon, Trisha Tisdale, Wendy, Eric, and Karl Hein, Rob Bentley, Lora Rist, and Cindy Wood. He also showed great interest and made meaningful connections with the next generation of the family.Joseph was predeceased by parents Robert and Pearle, sister Lois Balaski, brother John McMahon, and brother-in-law Randy Hein.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 22 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or Holy Cross Church at 7455 Hodge Ave. Portland, OR 97203.

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