Mary Jane Mahoney (1945-2020)

MAHONEY, SUTTON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/20/2020 at 22:07:10

Mary Jane Mahoney, 75, of Norway, Iowa, peacefully passed away on Dec. 11, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. A public Celebration of Life service will be planned for a later date in 2021.
Mary is survived by daughters, Jolonda "Jo" Mahoney and Michal Francis; and son, James "Jamie" (Angie Brazier) Mahoney, all of Norway; sister, Helen (Ralph) Weller of Manhattan, Kan.; sister, Marjorie Durkes of Topeka, Kan.; grandsons, Zach Park of Cedar Rapids and Derek (Misty Lentz) Francis of Brooklyn; granddaughter, Erika (Ryan O'Leary) Francis of Belle Plaine; grandson, James (Skylyn Clark) Mahoney of Hiawatha; and great-grandchildren, Lacie Rethman, Quentin O'Leary, Sydney Francis and Bayliegh Francis.
She was preceded in death by husband, James "Pat" Mahoney; parents, Marie and Elmer Sutton; and brothers, Lester Sutton, Lyle Sutton and Henry Sutton.
Mary was born in Smith Center, Kan., on Jan. 24, 1945. She graduated from Wamego High School in Wamego, Kan., in 1963. Mary met Jim while he was in the Army at Fort Riley, Kan. They later married and settled in Iowa.
Mary worked in the electronics industry in Cedar Rapids (Rockwell Collins, Torrance Electric, Van Meter). Mary was particularly suited for work with fine electronics as she was very skilled with everything requiring detail. She enjoyed bringing these talents to home crafts, painting and sewing. Mary and Jim bought the Gallery Cafe & Tavern in the late 70s and operated it for several years in addition to their full-time jobs. They found much enjoyment running the tavern and formed some of their closest friendships there. She loved meeting and serving people. In retirement, Mary's life was centered around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her the greatest joy.
Mary was loved by all and will truly be missed by those who knew her.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be submitted at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.