Rita O. Mahan

Rita Mahan Obituary

Rita O. Mahan CHESAPEAKE - Rita O'Connor Mahan, 90, died Feb. 25, 2009, in her home. Mrs. Mahan, a native of Louisburg, Kan., was the widow of Jesse W. Mahan since his death in 1971. She retired as a supply supervisor from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 33 years of service. She was a longtime member of Holy Angels Catholic Church. Survivors include her four sons, Lawrence E. Mahan of Chesapeake, Jesse G. Mahan and wife Deborah of Strasburg, Colo., John O. Mahan and wife Patricia of Langhorne, Pa., Kenneth "Marty" Mahan of Warren, Pa.; two sisters, Patricia Weber and Gerry Williams, both of Oak Grove, Mo.; a brother, Jack O'Connor of Kansas City, Mo.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Cradock, by the Rev. Kevin Segerblom. Burial will follow in Portsmouth Catholic Cemetery. Friends may join the family Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. in Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to America's Fallen Heroes Fund, 12731 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Mahan

7 Entries

Hank Domme

February 28, 2009

Larry, Gervase, John and Marty,
My Dad called me tonight and gave me the sad news about your Mom. I am honestly sorry to hear of her passing. It's been a long time and a lot of miles travelled, but I still have many fond memories of your family. Your Mom had a big heart and a good soul. I have always been glad I had the opportunity to know her. Please accept my condolences and my apologies for not being able to attend her funeral. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Tommy Beacham

February 28, 2009

Marty, John, Jesse and Larry....words escape me as I think of how you guys must feel right now...you truly had a ONE OF A KIND Mom....I have happy memories to remember, as I know you do....these will help during the hard times. Everyone benefited from knowing Rita...aka ReRe or as I use to call her..Mrs. Brentwood. She will truly be missed, but NEVER forgotten. I pray God's grace to hold all of you at this great time of loss. My best to all of you...Tommy

Sue Turner

February 27, 2009

Marty and family,

I only had the pleasure of meeting Rita one time when Marty invited me to his house for lunch when she was here in Warren in the fall. She was a delight to talk to and had some good stories to share about Marty and his childhood. It is always good to have some ammunition on him. She obviously was a very strong woman to have raised 4 sons. I am sure she will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on in her family.

My thoughts are with you now,
Sue

Joyce Crawford

February 27, 2009

I treasure wonderful & fun filled memories of working with Rita in the shipyard for over 10 years.It was great seeing her at her birthday party.
My heart goes to all her family.
Love,
Joyce Crawford

Jane McClanahan

February 27, 2009

Larry, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there, but I can not make it. You have been so lucky to have your mother for so long. She was such a delightful and pleasant lady. We were both blessed with great parents. They lived their life as an example to not only to you and your siblings but, also to others. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Come to see us at the lake.
Love to You.
Jane Williams McClanahan Class of 1966

JACK & MARY ALLSBROOK

February 27, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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