Joan P. Mahoney, 79, of Valparaiso passed away Friday, March 24, 2023 at Hospice of Cincinnati. She was born May 17, 1943 in Valparaiso to Melvin & Pauline (Bundy) Taylor, graduated from Kouts High School in 1961, and received her B.A. and M.A. in Education from Purdue University. Joan’s 38-year career as a Spanish teacher at Crown Point, Chesterton, and Valparaiso culminated with her retirement in 2003 which included 29 years at VHS. Joan loved her students, and in addition to teaching she served as the sponsor of Student Council, the Spanish Club, and Cheerleading throughout her career. Joan enjoyed her membership at First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, United Methodist Women, Tri Kappa, and volunteering at St. Agnes Adult Day Center.
On June 16, 1968 she married John Robert “Bob” Mahoney who survives along with their children; Tamara Lynn (Brad) Greenwell of Milford, OH, John Robert “Rob” (Ginger Arnell) Mahoney, III of Chesterton, Tara Eileen (Chris) Ings of Milford, OH and grandchildren; Ben, Noah, Sam, Tim, Trevor & Carter. Other family members include Paul (Diane) Taylor, Stephanie Taylor, Cheryl (Peter) Seaberg and family, John Link, Jennifer (Pete) Sajovec and family, Kevin (Ana) Link and family, and Kim (Ed) Orlando and family. Joan was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Peggy (Mahoney) Link.
A visitation will be held April 22nd from 9 am – 12 noon at First United Methodist Church, Valparaiso with memorial service beginning at 12:00 noon. Memorial donations may be made to the Joan Mahoney Memorial Scholarship Fund — Porter County Community Foundation (pccf.gives)
GUESTBOOK
She was such a special lady who always treated me like family. She will be missed!!! Jack wanted to me say how much he loved going to all the plays they went to together and how much he will her too. -Danielle Peek Boyd
She will be missed what a special lady, -Janet Upton
Mrs. Mahoney was such a wonderful, caring and fun presence in my life growing up in Valpo. I will never forget her kindness and joyful spirit. She was a remarkable woman who left a lasting impact on me and so many others. I will always remember her warmth and caring - hers was a life well lived. Rest in peace, Mrs. Mahoney, we love you! -Karen Kaukol (Mutka)
Sincere condolences from the Engel family. Joanie was a pivotal person in our lives when we were young. It was a true privilege to know her and know her love. God speed and I hope you are hanging out with your old friend Kathy up there!! -Mindy Engel
Bob & family - Thank you for sharing Joan with us. She has left an everlasting impression on our community and we will deeply miss her. The residents and staff will honor her memory and remember her with sweet sentiment. Your 2nd family ~ The Staff & Residents of SEM Terrace. - Kris Mick, Milford Ohio
What a great privilege it was for us to have known Joan for the past 32 years, as well as knowing the rest of the Mahoney family. Joan became our son Brad's mother-in-law when he married Tammy in 1994. We will forever cherish the many good times we had with Joan, Bob, and the Mahoney family. When we met Joan and Bob for the first time, it was as if we had always known them. Over the years we all shared laughing, crying, and enjoying watching our grandsons grow up into such fine young men. Although she is physically absent, Joan will always remain with us in our memories of the good times we had together. Love and Godspeed. -Beth and Scott Greenwell
Joan was so loving, kind, and always encouraging. It was a special blessing to know her. Each time we saw each other we would hug and giggle. Sharing the same name was like a special secret we had. From one Joan to Joan P. Mahoney, I will always keep our secret of giggles and hugs. -Joan McPherson
Joan will be missed! I can’t fathom how many lives she touched throughout her life. The kindest most loving, caring person we had the honor to know. What a blessing she was. Though she is gone from her family and friends. Her memories will live on in all of us. Joan you have earned your rest in heaven. May God bless and comfort her family. -John and Gayle Zavalydriga
My deepest condolences. I loved Mrs Mahoney so much. She was a second mom for me growing up. She is a wonderful lady and will be missed tremendously. I’m so sorry Tammy, Rob, Tara and Mr Mahoney. I know how much she was loved and no words can express the pain you are going through. Many thoughts and prayers to the entire family. May she test in peace, -Heather Fitzgerald
To Family, en friends, I grew up next door in Kouts during the 1950's . I always remembered the great Big Army tent, that Joan en Paul would put up during the summer months. Good people, always had a good time. -Ed (Eddie) Kosanke
My condolences to Bob, Tammy, Rob, Tara and the rest of the family. I spent many summers with the Mahoney family when they would come camping to Northern WI. Joan was one of the kindest people I have ever met. My parents, Dale & Mary Pederson, and I talk often about those days and the people I "grew up" with during the summers. Thoughts and prayers for comfort during this difficult time and rest in peace Joan! - Anne Marie (Pederson) Emerson
I was so saddened to learn of Mrs. Mahoney's passing. She was my Spanish teacher at BF and also VHS. Every time I would run into her, she always knew who I was, and looked at me with such fondness. She was so kind and loving, and talked about how our class was one of her very favorites because of the funny antics we pulled. She even stopped by the VHS Class of '83 30th reunion to say hi! She was a special lady, and one of my most memorable teachers. Although she was so kind and sweet, she was no pushover. Mrs. Mahoney wasn't afraid to lay the law down if students disappointed her. I still remember her chastising most of our entire 3rd year Spanish class using the test to make us translate her discontent with our collective behavior. I also remember her drumming it into us that we needed to learn and understand the "cultura" and not just the Spanish language. Rest in peace, dear lady. Sending you love in heaven. -Christa Emerson VHS '83
