Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 5, 2024.
Seymour - Ann Mahan, age 88 of Seymour, formerly of Gary, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Autumn Trace Community, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a rich, happy, and blessed life focused on her family, her community, and lifelong learning.
Born on September 18, 1936, in Gary, Ann was the daughter of Antonio and Lillian (Lunchar) Martinez, both of whom preceded her in death. On August 20, 1960, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Gary, she married Robert ("Bob") Mahan, with whom together they spent the last 42 years in Seymour.
Ann was an avid learner and lifelong educator. After graduating from Tolleston High School in Gary, Ann went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin College and a master's degree in Classics with a reading endorsement from Indiana University. She dedicated 33 years to teaching across several Indiana districts and subjects from English to Latin. While teaching in Bloomington, Ann was also an Independent Study professor at Indiana University. She concluded her teaching career with Floyd County-New Albany Schools, which she represented at the state level in English curriculum matters. Ann continued her love of learning after retirement, traveling extensively with Bob through Asia and Europe.
Ann contributed greatly to all communities she was a part of. She was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour, where she found fulfillment in her spiritual growth and was actively involved with the church's Ladies Aid #3. She was a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Alpha Delta Kappa, Beta Sigma Phi, Delta Delta Delta, Retired Indiana Teachers, and the Jackson County Retired Teachers Association. She served on the Franklin College Alumni Council and dedicated many hours to volunteering, serving on church boards and committees, working with hospice, and ushering at the Kentucky Center for the Arts for 25 years.
Above all, Ann prioritized building a strong family. She raised two independent, kind and successful daughters and spent quality time with her three beloved grandchildren. Being present in their lives was how she lived traveling to athletic games, school events, and birthday parties, sending special gifts for all holidays (even Halloween!), and introducing them to her love of theater. Ann had a special way with words that she passed on to all, sending handwritten letters of encouragement and remembrance, advising grandchildren on their college essays, and crafting special toasts at milestone celebrations. Ann read constantly, solved daily crossword puzzles, and attended countless sports events with her husband - there are not many stadiums or arenas in Indiana she hasn't cheered on.
Survivors include Bob, Ann's husband of 64 years; her two daughters, Dr. Marilyn Mahan (Scott Book) of Floyds Knobs, and Elizabeth Mahan (John Harms) of Arlington, Virginia; three grandchildren, Blair Book, Jackson Harms, and Margaux Harms; one brother, Marvin Martinez; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ann was preceded in death by two sisters, Beverly Maihofer and Priscilla O'Connor; and two nephews, David Maihofer and Michael O'Connor.
Funeral services for Ann Mahan will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church Chapel in Seymour with Pastor Philip Bloch officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service 1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church Chapel in Seymour.
Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, Seymour.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church and The Elizabeth Dole Foundation in support of veteran caregivers
https://elizabethdolefoundation.donorsupport.co/page/AnnMahan.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at
www.spurgeonfh.com.