Rena Lovell "Missy Mouse" McMahon
Rena Lovell "Missy Mouse" McMahon
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Rena McMahon Obituary
Rena L. Lovell, the youngest of three daughters was born to George F. Lovell and Virginia S. Lovell in the small mountain community of Susanville, California on September 28th, 1948. Even as a child, she enjoyed walking to all of the schools within the city as she progressed through the grades.
Rena was an accomplished musician, playing the flute and piccolo.
Rena served her country as a National Park Service Ranger.
Rena was a much beloved wife, mother and grandmother.
Rena was a medical specialist in reconstructive surgery as well as an office manager and assistant office manager for several doctors in California and Florida.
Rena loved gardening.
Rena was a gourmet cook.
Rena was a walker. Oh how she loved to walk.
Rena was a friend to all she met.
Rena loved all of God's creatures... especially cats big and small.
Rena was my best friend, soulmate, confidant, mentor, walking buddy and wife.
All who came to know her were truly blessed, none more so than I.
Born: Sep 28, 1947 in Susanville, California
Died: Sep 30, 2009 in Orlando, Florida
About: American Volkssports Association, Mid Florida Milers Walking Club [Hospitality & Chef], Placer Pacers Walking Club, Ashville Amblers Walking Club, Bob Carr Performing Arts Center Volunteer Usher staff, Alumni of Lassen High School [1965]. Attended Humbolt State College and California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo. Interpretive Ranger-United States National Park Service. Physicians Assistant-reconstructive surgery. Assistant office manager at Cardiovascular Healthcare Center in Orlando. Membership in the Central Florida Zoo, Rails to Trails Conservency, National Parks Conservency
Obituary
MCMAHON, RENA LOVELL, 62, passed away from Leukemia Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 in Orlando, FL. She was born Sept. 28, 1947 in Susanville, CA. In her life she has been a musician, a National Park Service ranger, a plastic surgery P.A., and most recently an assistant office manager of the Cardiovascular Healthcare Center in Orlando. Rena and her husband, John, were volunteer ushers at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, in Orlando, for 15 years. She and John were members of the Mid Florida Milers Walking Club and have walked over 1000 10 kilometer events in the United States spanning every state in America. She was a wonderful cook and the hospitality hostess for the walking club. Rena cared deeply for everyone she met and touched many lives in her lifetime. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother and is survived by her husband of 16 years, John McMahon. They were high school sweethearts who reconnected later in life and became soul mates to the end. She is survived by her mother, Virginia; sisters, SaraJo Pyle and Laralon Grooms, all of Susanville, CA; her previous husband, Michael Rondas of Santaquin, UT; daughter, Ginger Nelson of Overton, NV; step-son, Douglas McMahon of West Pueblo, CO; eight grand children; and a host of nieces and nephews. A viewing and celebration of her life will be held Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home Conway Chapel. She will be laid to rest in hometown of Susanville, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Arrangements are being handled
by BALDWIN FAIRCHILD
CONWAY CHAPEL, 1413 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807. (407) 277-6700. Please view and sign the family guestbook at:
www.baldwinfairchild.com
Rena was also the featured obituary in the October 3, 2009 Orlando Sentinel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to a longtime investigative reporter and close friend of ours for making this event happen.
74 Entries
John McMahon
January 22, 2026
I listen to the Broadway Musicals and I always think of you when I do. I thought I would add a list of the musicals that you loved so much and many that we ushered at the Bob Carr PAC together. Chess was your all time favorite. I wish I could have seen the productions that you saw and described for me.
Annie
Assassins
Cats
Chess
Into the Woods
Les Miserables
Mama Mia
Oklahoma
Phantom of the Opera.
Shrek
South Pacific
Starlight Express
Sunday in the Park With George
Sweeny Todd
The Lion King
The Music Man
Wicked
Zorba
It's a new year now... I still miss you and love you.
John McMahon
December 24, 2025
All these years that have gone by. It seems like only yesterday that we parted. I still miss you. I still love you.
On this Christmas eve, I offer this. I hope and pray that you have found peace.
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
Till we meet again my dearest Missy Mouse.
John McMahon
September 28, 2024
I'll see you on a Heavenly trail... I hope and pray.
John McMahon
September 28, 2024
Missing you on what would have been your 77th birthday.
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Jerry Gilstrap
August 28, 2024
Rena was one of my classmates at Lassen Union High School in Susanville, Ca.
She was a very sweet, friendly person who absolutely cared about whom she spoke with, and was sure to attend every event at Lassen High. She was a true gem.
John McMahon
October 24, 2009
My dearest darling, My Missy Mouse [no, there are no hawks around right now]. Words cannot begin to describe how shattered my life and dreams are right now. You were gone so quickly, I barely had time to tell you that I loved you that night at ORMC. I have had people tell me that "...it will get better" since that night. I'm sorry, they are wrong... When you have had the very best that life offers and then it is gone... It can never get better. I have and cherish the memories of the past 17 years etched in my mind. I cry a lot. I bother our friends, family and others far too much I fear. I must learn to cope without having your smiling face there beside me for the rest of my life. For you I will learn to cope, but know it will be a fearsome task.
I love so very much my darling. I miss you with all my heart and soul.
Your "Punkin" forever
John
Kim Murphy
January 11, 2011
How beautiful, John. Thank you for sharing, and reminding me that true love exists and that there are so many kind hearted people in this world. I am so ashamed that I lived next to you guys all those years and never got to really know you and the wonderful things you did together. I'm so glad you made it to all 50 states. What a lovely dream to share.
Catherine Gile
December 23, 2009
Thank you John for sharing with us this precious beautiful person, Rena. She is and always will live on through your memories and the memories of all who knew and loved her.
May God in his infinite mercy, bring peace and comfort to you always.
David Burr
October 28, 2009
Growing up in a community like Susanville, which at the time the Rena and John and I were in High School, had a population of about 7500 people, everyone kind of knows everyone else at some level. Rena was one of the people who is most memorable to me from those days, because we were friends both in school and out. We lived in the same neighborhood, and as far as I remember, we went through all of the same schools and grades together.
Rena was always a bright star. She seemed to excel at everything she did, whether musically, academically or personally. She was, indeed, a great friend.
It's a strange aspect of life and time, how we grow apart and independently from people who used to be so much in our lives. We leave tne "nest", and go about making our own futures, with only an occasional glance back in dreams or times of solitude to those who helped shape us as we grew. In years past, I've thought of Rena from time to time, and idly wondered where she was and what she was doing. It's a bittersweet feeling to find those answers through a process that leaves us to ponder them in our own hearts, without being able to reconnect for now with the "source".
Thank you, John, for creating such a wonderful place to allow some of that reconnection, and to give us a "snapshot" of the person that we all knew and loved in our own way. I know that this has to be a sensitive and difficult time for you, but I also see in the things you have written here that you have a clear hope for a reunion down the road a piece, when the two of you will be able to walk side by side again. I hope I will be able to see that.
Condolences and love to you both.
Tina Eklund
October 28, 2009
I first met Rena a little over a year ago. She was a lovely and generous person. A great cook she was; I was fortunate enough to receive a recipe from her for pumpkin cobbler. Needless to say it was a great hit at the dinner table. Thank you Rena for sharing. I know the absence of you is dispairing, but your memories will live on in everyone's heart. We will celebrate you!!!
Lois Shannon
October 27, 2009
I wish I had gotten to know Rena much sooner than a few years. She was always friendly to everyone--and made the best wraps anyone ever had. I will miss seeing her at the AVA walks. My sympathy to John and family.
Miss You Still - (8/2016)
August 10, 2016
November 5, 2014
A spunky little dog joins the family - (3/16/1996)
August 24, 2010
My Dearest Darlings Final Resting Place - (10/9/2009)
August 24, 2010
Walking with the sisters - (7/2002) - It mattered not where the trail was, but simply that we were on it and enjoying the day. Caribou Wilderness, California.
December 23, 2009
Disney Days - (11/2003) - Rena loved to go to Walt Disney World and it shows on her face.
December 23, 2009
Best Friends Forever - (6/2003) - Rena and her BFF Ruthann Holzer. Ruthann and her husband Jim are magnificant folks. This is in Cheyenne, WY.
December 23, 2009
Official Walk - (12/2003)
December 23, 2009
Pumpkins and Punkin's - (10/2004) - The sisters at Wemple's Pumpkin Patch in Milford, CA.
December 23, 2009
University of Florida walk - (11/2004) - Getting our "college credits" accomplished in Gainesville, FL.
December 23, 2009
Cool driving - (4/2004) - This is one of the cars I would have loved to have gotten for my sweetie. She had to settle for driving it at the GMAC show at EPCOT. Did she have FUN or what?
December 23, 2009
Fare thee well - (7/2009) - I'll see you somewhere on the trail. I love you.
December 23, 2009
Susanville, CA - (6/2006) - Our favorite trail is in our home town. The Bizz Johnson Trail is one of the original and "Crown Jewels" of the Rails to Trails national program.
December 23, 2009
Caught with the goodies - (6/2007) - After the Sonoma AVA convention walk, we stopped by the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, CA. As you can see Rena had the good stuff.
December 23, 2009
Convention walk-Golden Gate Bridge - (7/2007) - We started this walk at the officers club at the Presidio in San Francisco and walked out across the Golden GAte Bridge [background] and back. Rena smiled the entire walk.
December 23, 2009
Fort Caroline National Monument - (7/2007) - Her pride in the NPS is very evident.
December 23, 2009
Washington Oaks State Park walk - (4/2008) - My wonderful walking buddy at Washington Oaks State Park on Earth Day.
December 23, 2009
Ryan's Pub Fernandina Beach, FL - (12/2008) - Good walk, Great weather, fantistic food [and Guiness] together with wonderful walking friends. This is what life is all about to us.
December 23, 2009
Lunch in Hawaii - (10/2008) - We had an authentic Hawaiian lunch at ONO'S Reataurant at 726 Kapahulu St. This restaurant has been in operation for over 40 years. The owners were very gracious as you can see.
December 23, 2009
Polynesian Cultural Center - (10/2008) - Rena and natives of Samoa. She just hates this doesn't she?
December 23, 2009
Breakfast before walking - (10/2008) - Breakfast at the Hau Tree Restaurant, New Otani Hotel on Kapiolani Beach. Note the table we are at and the photo on the menu.
December 23, 2009
Paradise Cove Luau - (10/2008) - Sporting our newly acquired "tattoos".
December 23, 2009
Hawaii - (10/2008) - Rena overlooking the beach at Kailua. What fun we are having.
December 23, 2009
Rena's AVA Meriterious Service Award - (8/8/2009) - Awarded at the Mid Florida Milers anniversary dinner. She so deserved this award for her culinary prowness, cooking for the Mid Florida Miler club events.
December 23, 2009
Mt. Lassen National Park - (7/16/2009) - This is the last group photo of all three sisters.
December 23, 2009
Helena, MT - (6/2009) - Rena & Ginger think this would be a house that we could live in with no problem.
December 23, 2009
Massacre Rocks SP, ID - (6/2009) - Over hill, over dale and dusty trail.
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (2009)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (6/2009) - Ginger and Rena in the Memory Gardens in Salt Lake City
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (2008)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (2007)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (2006)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (2005)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (1/1/2005)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (2003)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing out great country - (2002)
December 23, 2009
Walking in and seeing our great country - (9/1998)
December 23, 2009
National Park Service - (1977)
December 23, 2009
National Park Service - (1975)
December 23, 2009
National Park Service - (1972) - From 1972 to 1975. Rena and Mike served at Great Sand Dunes National Monument in Alamosa, Colorado. This was Rena's favorite NPS site. It is now a National Park.
December 23, 2009
National Park Service - (6/1971)
December 23, 2009
A beautiful little girl is born - (8/13/1969) - Ginger Michelle Rondas is born to Rena and Mike in San Luis Obispo, California
December 23, 2009
Senior Ball - (5/13/1965) - I'm sure she was the Belle of the Ball
October 28, 2009
Graduating from Lassen High School - (6/4/1965)
October 28, 2009
Rest in Peace my Angel - (10/2009)
October 24, 2009
50 states walked TOGETHER - (9/2009) - This is after we finished the Fargo, ND sanctioned walk to complete the AVA 50 State Walker Program. See the joy in her expression. We did it TOGETHER!
October 24, 2009
Hospitality MAVEN Mid Florida Milers - (2/2009) - A little quick energy for the walkers before they start
October 24, 2009
Joy at being atop Diamond Head - (10/2008)
October 24, 2009
Rena posing the the "Whitecap" - Rena helped crew this IOC racing sailboat in San Francisco in the early 1980's. The Whitecap is the IOC sailboat of the Commodore of the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.
October 24, 2009
Christmas with the Doctor & staff - (12/2007)
October 24, 2009
More adventure - (12/2006) - During an AVA walk at Walt Disney World, we had to go through Animal Kingdom. Rena loved snakes and was estatic to be able to handle this one.
October 24, 2009
Not a sanctioned walk--Just adventure - (10/2006) - Rock City, Chattanooga, TN
October 24, 2009
The horse that never bit her - (10/2006) - Chattanooga, TN. The sculpture looks like wood but is cast metal. She was so happy to pet a horse that didn't try to bite her.
October 24, 2009
Most important part of a walk---FOOD - (10/2006) - Neat restaurant in Chattanooga, TN after the first walk. Rena's T-shirt says it all about our sport.
October 24, 2009
No trail to difficult or steep for her - (1/2006) - Savannah 2006
October 24, 2009
Goals & levels---It's a girl thing too - (7/2004)
October 24, 2009
Winter in FL?---ICE - (12/2004) - ICE at the Gaylord Palms Resort. Only 9 degrees here. We went every year it was here.
October 24, 2009
Convention Walking-Garden of the Gods - (6/2003) - What incredible scenery. She thought this walk was wonderful.
October 24, 2009
Ginger and the Kids are forever too - (10/2002) - Visiting at Halloween.
October 24, 2009
Sisters are forever - (7/2002)
October 24, 2009
Always stop to pet a kitty - (4/2002)
October 24, 2009
Soulmates - (10/1993) - Taken just after we were wed in Orlando. I was always safe for I knew she had my back covered.
October 24, 2009
Life in Julian, CA - (8/1987)
October 24, 2009
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