Loraine Ann McMahon

Loraine A. McMahon peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of May 17, 2024, at Liberty Village in Princeton, IL. She was 94 years young.  

Born in Trenton, Illinois to John and Frances Zurliene, Loraine was embraced by a bustling household of five siblings, later joined by five more. Throughout her life, the bond among the Zurliene siblings remained close and connected, often filling sections of their favorite restaurants with their laughter, hot gossip, and shared memories.        

A graduate of Princeton High School's class of 1949, Loraine pursued her passion for medicine at Northwestern Medical School in Minneapolis, MN, eventually becoming a skilled medical technician at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley, IL.

In 1953, Loraine's life was forever changed when she laid eyes on the love of her life, Martin McMahon, at a town dance. Their union on November 6, 1954, at St. Louis Catholic Church, marked the beginning of their remarkable marriage. After settling on the family farm near Sheffield, IL, they welcomed six children: Denise McMahon (deceased); Terese Dwinal of Olympia, Washington; Diane Cepela of Plainfield, Illinois; Ann (Michael) Klein of Torrance, California; Paul (Camela) McMahon of Princeton; and Tina (John) Park of Paris, Illinois. They spent their later years relishing in the joy of being grandparents to thirteen grandchildren, embarking on adventures around the globe, and always finding time to dance.

For over fifty years, Loraine and Martin dedicated themselves to farming the McMahon Centennial Family Farm until Martin's passing in 2009. The farm was a beacon of pride and second home to many. Epitomizing Loraine's generous spirit and unwavering kindness, the farm became a sanctuary to countless children throughout the years. Any child seeking solace, a hot meal, or a safe place to run around was welcomed with open arms. Most recently, Loraine was overjoyed to have two of her grandchildren get married on the farm, further enriching its legacy as a place of love and celebration.

Loraine found immense joy in cultivating her famous sweet corn and canning her home-grown peaches. Yet, her greatest pleasure was in the act of sharing them with her family, friends, and neighbors. The farm was Loraine's haven, her heart intertwined with every stalk of corn and peach tree. She was known to stand on her front porch, survey the golden corn fields, and remark, “Look at that! Isn’t that just heaven?”

A devout Catholic, Loraine was active in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for many years. She dedicated herself to serving others, co-founding “The Closet” to support the community. Alongside her beloved sisters and other volunteers, she worked endlessly to sort clothes, kitchen supplies, toys, books, and an endless supply of household accouterments that were sold at reasonable prices. Her tireless efforts inspired others.  Whenever people asked if they could lend a hand, Loraine was heard to say, “I never turn down help.”

Loraine’s zest for life was contagious, whether listening to Elvis Presley, decorating for Christmas, or indulging in a Frosty from the Wendy’s senior menu. She found joy in all corners of life, from the little things to the big miracles. More than anything, she leaves behind a legacy of a life fully lived.

In addition to her children, survivors include one brother, John (Ellen) Zurliene of Nashville, Tennessee, and two sisters-in-law, Sue Zurliene of Princeton and Avis Zurliene of Texas. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Loraine was reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, her parents, nine siblings, one daughter, a son-in-law, Steven Dwinal, and two grandsons, Matt Christopher Cepela and Christopher Michael Klein.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with a funeral mass following at 10:00 AM. There will be a luncheon in the parish hall following the service. A private interment will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Sheffield.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to St Louis Catholic Church of Princeton or the hospice of your choosing.