Obituary of Hope O McMahon

Hope A. (Owen) McMahon of Portland, Maine died Tuesday, December 21, 2017. She was born in Middletown Connecticut, September 30, 1937 to Florence Ackley and Tudor Owen, and was raised in Kenwood, New York in the Oneida Community Mansion House hamlet. Hope graduated from the Northfield School for Girls in East Northfield, Massachusetts in 1955. She earned a B.A. from Brown University in 1959, and an M.Ed. in Art History from Keene State College in 1983. Hope was a gifted artist, and taught art in K-12 school districts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Arizona and Maine. She retired from the Brunswick, Maine School Department in 2000. Hope was known by her family and friends as an art and history enthusiast, always willing to share her extensive knowledge. She loved the Maine coast, dragons, and both her Oneida Community and Sedgwick roots. She would be pleased to know that she died at noon on the Winter Solstice, taking her light into the dark. Hope is survived by daughter Tara (McMahon) Brophy, son-in-law Matthew S. Brophy, grandchildren Brendan M. and Anna C. Brophy, nieces Hope and Joy Kiefer, and their families. She was predeceased by her sister, Delight O. Kiefer. She also leaves behind her devoted friend, Sarah (Sally) Waite of Portland. The family would like to express deep gratitude to Jane Auchincloss who provided skilled care, assistance, and affection to Hope over the last 15 years, and to Reverend Christina Sillari who made a remarkable difference in her spirit and comfort during the last hours of her life. A celebration of life will be held in June (date to be named) at the First Parish Church in Portland, after which she will be buried in Kenwood, New York. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Hope’s name to First Parish, Attn: Reverend Christina Sillari, 425 Congress Street, Portland, Maine, 04102.