Dr.Polly Paul McMAHON

McMAHON, Dr.Polly Paul

One of Dr. Polly Paul McMahon's closed Facebook support group members recently posted this quote from Sojourner Truth on Polly's page, "I am not going to die, I am going home like a shooting star." Over ten years ago, Doc Polly started a dip and turn dance with cancer. On Wednesday, November 8th, Cancer ended the dance with Polly's body, but Cancer could not keep up with her spirit. She jetted off, like a shooting star, to reunite with her beloved husband of over 45 years, Terry McMahon, who went on ahead summer of 2016. Polly was also a woman of deep spiritual faith and she took the next step in her spiritual journey.

Polly was a cradle to death Episcopalian and dearly beloved by the parishioners in her St. John the Evangelist Cathedral community and beyond. Her passion was for service. She presented the loving face of Christ in her interactions with every person she had the joy to encounter. She taught Sunday School, cooked with St. Monica's Guild, and faithfully prayed with her Daughters of the King Prayer Guild. We remember fondly her joy at the Cathedral's celebration Sundays for blessing of the pets (including her Fluffy dog), the white wrapped gifts for needy children at Christmas time (she always brought bags of extras for visitors), the Flowering of the Easter Cross, and especially the Thanksgiving parish free dinner for all in need, all in need of a family.

Dr. Polly walked the talk of becoming an educated person and using that education to serve others. She earned her PhD in Clinical and Child Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. Her Masters and undergrad work were at Morehead State University and Emory University. She moved from education to application. After receiving her Ph.D., she moved to Macon, Georgia, where she was the Director of the Children's Unit at The GA State Hospital. She also began her Psychology private practice and taught at Mercer University.

In 1995, Spokane Falls Community College hired her to be the tenured professor in the College's Social Services Paraprofessional Program. Over the years, she developed a terminal, Associates of Applied Science Degree program. Polly's classroom was a microcosm of the whole field of helping professions. She has been described as a "dream" faculty member because she had a "we can do it spirit", whether creating a new program or approach to teaching and learning or seeking internships for students. She served as Chair for both Gerontology and Social Services program. In 2017, she was named "faculty member of the year" by the Washington State Association of College Trustees. Hundreds of students and community members share stories of how Doc Polly touched their lives and believed in them. Polly would not let you fail and loved you as family.
Dr. McMahon was a member of the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation Board of Directors since 2011, also serving on the Foundation's Legacy Committee encouraging people to leave designate funds for student scholarships in their wills. She personally created and funded a student scholarship through the foundation to support gerontology and social services students who are financially struggling.

Polly was a profoundly gifted human being. Born in Michigan, she moved with her parents to the Florida Keys, where she ran barefooted on the beaches, seeking her favorite seafood-shrimp! She had one foot in the Gulf and one in Michigan. Sometimes in the summers, and then after her 8th grade year, full time, she worked at her father's small but famous Janson's Quality Sandwiches in Saginaw, MI. It was one of the original drive-in restaurants. She cooked and learned all aspects of her father's business. More than a car-hop on roller skates, she was also a gifted musician and was accepted on scholarship to the demanding Michigan Interlochen Arts Academy. Her giftedness in arts was music-all kinds of music. At Interlochen Academy, she reunited with her early childhood friend, Terry McMahon, and their love story continues into eternity.

Polly's joyful spirit was exemplified in her deep involvement with music. She celebrated life through music as she gathered and bonded friends together. She enthusiastically welcomed and openly encouraged new orchestra members into New Horizons Orchestra, where she was one of the founding members. New Horizons Orchestra (NHO) is a nonprofit, adult amateur community orchestra, which is open to anyone, regardless of skill level or experience.

As a participant cello player, she enthusiastically attended every Monday night rehersal she could, and she flew across the country to attend CelloSpeak, an adult cello camp for people loving all things cello, where she made many, many friends. She regularly attended the Spokane Symphony and was a supporter of Connoisseur Concerts. Music to Polly equated with love, and it was for sharing with others. She felt the depth and beauty of music in her soul and she always appreciated and expressed her gratitude for it and the performers.

Polly and her husband were only children. They had no immediate living family, but always felt blessed with family provided by God and found by them through the magnet of their unconditional love. Polly honored Judy Noel and Nancy Cartwright by designating them as her legal, chosen, "sisters". Polly made EVERYONE feel like family and we are grateful for the "family" support, especially during the last few months. At Polly's request, there will not be a formal funeral. She requested celebrations of life, which we anticipate will happen in February, near her birthday. Please honor Polly by your personal celebrations, by your service to others in her name or by donations to charities and organizations that were close to Polly's heart.