Published in the August 18, 2017 edition
ELIOT, Maine — Joan L. (Selig) Mahoney, of Eliot, Maine, and formerly a longtime resident of Malden, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 12, at age 79.
Joan was born in Malden on February 18, 1938, one of three children of the late Earl and Anne (Waterman) Selig. She was raised in Malden where she attended Malden High School and met her husband of 63 years, Arthur F. Mahoney. They were married on January 10, 1954 and raised a family of three sons in Malden. She and Arthur lived in the same home for over 50 years, before retiring to a home they built in Eliot, Maine.
While raising her children, Joan also worked part time as a bookkeeper at Commonwealth Lumber Co. in Malden. Forever strong and independent, Joan enjoyed working, looking after her children, and always stayed busy. Strong both mentally and physically, Joan continued working until recently as a greeter at the front desk at Atria Maplewood Place.
A jack of all trades, Joan was very talented with her hands. She had a particular passion and love for making stained glass, but could do most anything she put her mind to. She made clothing, window treatments, lamps, and enjoyed cake decorating. She was a regular at local craft fairs where she sold some of her handmade pieces, and had hundreds of pieces and glass supplies throughout her home.
Every Friday night for many years, all were welcome to the Mahoney house in Maplewood Square for dinner, and there would always be more than enough food. The home in Malden served as a family gathering place before the Maine house became another central gathering place.
Joan will be missed, but always remembered for her honesty, love of family, and her strength.
Joan was the beloved wife of Arthur F. Mahoney with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of John E. Mahoney and his wife Marie of Eliot, ME, Ronald D. Mahoney and his wife Karen of Eliot, ME, and Robert W. Mahoney and his wife Janine of Eliot, ME. She was the dear sister of Don Selig of Tewksbury, and Sandra Tedeschi of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of John, Michael, Michelle, Amanda, Austin, Michael, Deanna, Robert, Kevin, Ryan, Jake, Devin, Madison, and Alyssa. She was the treasured great-grandmother of Finn, Mason, Addie, and Scarlet. She was the caring former mother-in-law of Susan Costa of Seabrook, NH.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Joan’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, August 15, from 4-8 p.m., and for her funeral service on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
