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Clara Mary (White) McMahon, 97

Clara was born June 30, 1919, in Seattle, Wash., to William and Mary White. She passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2017, following a fall.

The family moved to Priest River, Idaho, where she attended school. The fourth of five children and the only girl, life on the farm during the depression era was a difficult one. She shared the joys and hardships of those times through her vivid recall and storytelling.

After high school, Clara attended University of Montana and Kinman Business College which propelled her into her future as an executive secretary for several organizations including the regional Camp Fire Girls and Boy Scouts of America in both Coeur d’Alene and Spokane.

She met a handsome young man at a dance in Coeur d’Alene, Ed McMahon. What followed was a 51-year marriage and two daughters, Maureen and Kathleen. Ed and Clara lived in Idaho and Washington before making a longtime home in Coeur d’Alene. In 1963, the move was made to Spokane. Following Ed’s passing Clara remained in their home until her move to Holman Gardens where she continued to add to her multitude of friends. For the last few months, she had been in assisted living.

With an amazing passion for life, she was always involved in her children’s activities as well as Ed’s Elks Club activities. Clara was a seamstress, crafter, gardener, avid card player, volunteer, organizer, exerciser and traveler. She and Ed enjoyed trips to Europe, Panama, and 19 times to the Hawaiian Islands. After Ed’s passing in 1991, Clara continued to travel with her brother, Ed and her best friend, Ruth, Ed’s wife.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and her husband, Edward. She is survived by children Maureen (Joe) Ramos and Kathleen (Paul) Justice; granddaughters Christine, Carolyn, Patty, Brahane and Sasha; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

A Mass celebration of Clara’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Road, Spokane Valley, with a reception following at the church. Inurnment will be at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Clara’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Monastery of St. Clare, 4419 N. Hawthorne, Spokane, WA 99205.