Maureen Lucy Mahon Killoran
Dec. 19, 1960 - Dec. 30, 2016
Resident of San Jose
Maureen Lucy Mahon Killoran passed away peacefully on December 30, 2016, having lived life to the fullest even after being severely disabled by ALS. Maureen uplifted many souls with her positive and generous spirit.
Maureen was born in Los Angeles to Donald and Virginia Mahon, who had recently moved there from Cincinnati with their other children, Donna, Barbara, and James. Maureen was a Girl Scout and worked at Mancini's restaurant before graduating from Canoga Park High School and moving to Colorado, where she met her best friend and husband, David. With David, Maureen raised their daughter, Kelsey, and son, Alec , in San Jose. Maureen was an active parent and member of the community, teaching art to students at Alta Vista Elementary School and Union Middle School, serving as "team mom" in various sports, and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Maureen was also active in Las Madres. After her children were grown, Maureen returned to college at SJSU, where she studied gerontology, volunteered for Project SHINE, and was a leader of Future Professionals in Health and Aging. Maureen was so outgoing and made so many friends that it seemed like she could not go anywhere in the world without bumping into a friend.
Maureen bravely battled breast cancer and actively supported the Bay Area Breast Cancer Network for 15 years before she was diagnosed with ALS. Even as she was losing her ability to move and speak, Maureen remained an activist, sending video messages to Congress in support of disabled persons' rights and continuing to exercise her right to vote even after she could not speak or lift a finger. Maureen provided support to others living with ALS and continued to make new friends with her smile and a computer she controlled with her eyes. Her generous and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
Maureen is survived by her husband, David, daughter, Kelsey, and son, Alec, and by her mother, Virginia Mahon, her sister Barbara Mitchell, her brother, James Mahon, and a very large extended family from coast to coast.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Maureen's life on January 28, 2017, at 1 pm at the Hayes Mansion, 200 Edenvale Ave., San Jose, CA 95136. Lunch will be served. If anyone would like to make a donation in honor of Maureen's memory, please click here.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Maureen Killoran

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

13 Entries

Sharyn Elliott

January 4, 2020

You will always be missed and in my heart ♥ Sharyn

Carole Sperazz - Myers

December 20, 2017

I'm so deeply saddened to learn of Maureen's passing. Way back when we were about 18 years old senior year of high school, I was first licensed we took a drive out to Malibu. It was late at night and we decided to take the canyon route (Topanga Canyon) home. I had never driven the canyon and it was pitch black, I was shaking so nervous. Maureen talked me the whole way thought the canyon that night.... Rest in Peace Maureen

Jennifer Fiore

January 29, 2017

I am fortunate to have many wonderful memories of Aunt Maureen. From her time living with my Mom in Colorado to my visits in LA and San Jose, she always made me laugh. I will miss her sense of humor. When my Mom passed away, Maureen's love and honesty comforted me and helped me move forward. She taught me to be an advocate for myself. She lived her life to the fullest, always trying to explore new things and spend time with family. I was lucky enough to be her right hand when she made that first batch caramel, which I will continue to try and duplicate! I will miss her terribly and will hang on to these memories forever. I love you Uncle Dave, Kelsey & AJ.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Irene Jones

January 21, 2017

Love you Mo. I am sorry i didnt stay in touch. Love and prayers for Dave, Kelsey and AJ. Your Mom was awesome but you already know that. Love Irene

Brian Fiore

January 15, 2017

My first memory of Maureen was of her getting into Donna's make-up and smearing it all over her face in 1963! She was a happy, bright, beautiful child who grew into a wonderful, dedicated mother. I will miss Maureen's laugh and honesty most of all. She will continue to be in the sunshine and rain for me always.
Brian Fiore, brother (in-law)

Martha Hughes

January 11, 2017

So so bright, engaging, beautiful, loving, so genuinely accepting and gracious .. Maureen lit up a room! Sending love

January 10, 2017

Auntie M,
I will never forget what you and Uncle Dave did for me when I was younger, you took me in your home even before you had children of your own I was a young 12-13 years old. You taught me things and nurtured me as if I was your own. When my mother your older sister Donna passed away I was only 18.You knew how scared and unsure life was for me at that time and you were the only one who offered me a place to go. Although I declined, I will never forget your generosity, smile, love and support through out my life. You also taught me how to make the best scrambled eggs and every time I make them adding eggs, milk ,salt, pepper, garlic powder ,and parsley. I will alway think of you and how much you and Uncle Dave helped me during some of the most difficult times in my life. I am so greatful for the frequent flyer miles Uncle Dave gave to me to come see you almost a year ago and we cried together and shared some very private things about out lives realizing we had gone through similar situations. You also told me how beautiful I was and how proud you were of me and also how proud my mom would have been of the woman I turned out to be. You also said how strong my mom was and I told you that I thought you were strong too. You agreed but also said it was a different kind of strength. You were an amazing woman and I will never forget you, and although your life was cut short to soon I am so happy you now are at peace.
Love,
Sharyn Elliott

January 9, 2017

To Kelsey and Family, we send love and peace to you during this difficult time. Love, James, Carrie, and Olivia Laffen

January 9, 2017

We shared a cruise to Alaska with Maureen in July 2012, and she was a delightful companion. I admired her immensely. She is deeply missed.

Love from Theresa and Kent Carey

Carolyn Beadle

January 9, 2017

With deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife and mother. Carolyn Beadle, Kelsey's kindergarten teacher at Alta Vista.

Holly Fitzsimmons

January 8, 2017

Maureen was my Girl Scout troop leader in elementary school and a beloved family friend. From camping out in her and Dave's backyard for our "camping trip" to our many field trips and experiences together, Maureen and her family were apart of some of my favorite memories growing up. Being in Girl Scouts with Kelsey and all of our friends is something I will never forget. I will always remember Maureen's big smile and laugh. You will be missed Maureen, thinking of you and your family, we love you xoxo Holly

Jan Bill

January 8, 2017

My sincere wish is that all who knew Maureen will smile with their memories of her. I think the celebration of life and the memories of that life are the highest form of honor to family and friends who leave us before we are ready.

I didn't know Maureen well since we grew up hundreds and hundreds of miles apart. But I do know that she was a force of nature with a great sense of humor. Her Cincinnati visits were full of fun and huge family get togethers.

I think the foundation is a wonderful idea and I hope it will be successful.

Love and kind thoughts from Jan and Steve Bill and Family

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