FLORENCE MAHON (DAHL)

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FLORENCE MAHON (nee DAHL) August 14, 1922 August 15, 2008 Florence Mahon, beloved wife of Dr. John Mahon of Calgary, passed away on August 15, 2008 at the age of 86 years. Florence was born and grew up in Winnipeg. She was an accomplished musician, mother and a keen observer of life around her. At 16 Florence was awarded the Gold Medal for highest standing in piano in the Associateship examination of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy at the University of Manitoba, she spent three years at the Royal Conservatory of Music studying piano with Alberto Guerrero, the distinguished teacher and interpreter of Baroque music. Following Florence's studies at the Royal Conservatory, she performed in Toronto including live-to-air recitals on the CBC. In 1946 Florence married Dr. John Mahon and they moved to Edinburgh, Scotland where she continued her performing career that included recitals as well as broadcasts on the BBC. In 1948 they moved to Calgary. Florence Mahon was, for many years, a piano accompanist at Mount Royal College and the University of Calgary working with violinist Lise Elson and vocalist Alexander Gray. She began a study of the pipe organ in 1975 with the well known Calgary organist, Arthur Ward and was the organist of Scarboro United Church in Calgary for 17 years. Florence was a close colleague of Marilyn Perkins, Scarboro's music director at the time. She retired from this position in 1997. Florence is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. John Mahon; six children, Elizabeth Brodovitch (Jean Claude) of Vancouver, John Mahon (Shelagh Wildsmith) of Edmonton, Charles Mahon (Jane) of Calgary, Patricia Finn (Joseph Patrick) of Vancouver, Jeffrey Mahon (Elaine) of London, Ontario and Mary Mahon of Calgary; two brothers and one brother-in-law, Lewis Dahl and Len Sandeman of Winnipeg, John Dahl of Wisconsin plus numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters; Dorothy Flett, Carol Sandeman; brother Lawrence Dahl and her daughter Heather Jean. She will be remembered and cherished by her 16 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A Memorial Service will be held at Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Avenue S.W. on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made to a charity of your choice. To email expressions of sympathy: ccl@hffs.com, subject heading: Florence Mahon. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES Calgary Crematorium Chapel Telephone: 403-299-0111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2008