Delores Jean McMahon, 76, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away at Union Hospital on August 23, 2021 following complications of COVID.
Delores was born on June 25, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Ralph Preston and Myrtle Virginia (Batchelor) Sutherland. She attended Brazil High School but had to leave to care for her family. In 1989 she earned her GED, at the age of 44, from Northview High School – an accomplishment she was very proud of. She met James McMahon at the age of 14 and they began courting. They were united in marriage on August 23, 1963. He preceded her in death in 2018 after 55 years of marriage. Delores passed away on their 58th anniversary. Her first job was working the gas station, pumping gas, for Granny and Buddy. She also worked at Danner’s, Fox Photo, and retired from Thousand Trails Camp Ground. She was very successful at selling Avon. Before getting her drivers license she would put her bag on the handle-bars of her bike and peddle around the neighborhood selling Avon as she didn’t get her license until 1974. She worked at Sutherland and Son’s as a bookkeeper for several years. Her favorite “job” was caring for her family and especially her grandkids.
She loved crafting, doing jewelry, but most of yard saleing. If a bargain was to be made she would get it. Her famous last words were “God Bless” whether on the phone or in person regardless who it was. She helped her husband Jim to pioneer several churches. Their last one being Church By the Lake at Van Bibber Lake.
Delores was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Myrtle Sutherland; her husband James McMahon; a brother Oscar Sutherland; a sister Patsy Long; and a granddaughter Michele Tucker; a great-granddaughter Emma Rae Kunkel.
Survivors include her son James Allen McMahon II (Barbara Fatch); her daughter Tonia Tucker and husband James Tucker; grandchildren: Brandon McMahon, Lance McMahon, Kaitlyn McMahon, Kensey Kunkel, Randy Kunkel, Jamie Davis, SanDee DeHeer, 27 great grandchildren; 2 brothers Ralph Sutherland Jr. and wife Barb and Roy Sutherland and wife Sandy; a sister Nellie Taylor; dear friend Billy Jo Matthews as well as many extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be at French Funeral Home, 421 E. National Ave. Brazil, Indiana 47834, on Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 5-7pm. Services will follow at 7:00pm. Burial will follow at a later date.
Donations may be made to First Farmer’s Bank and Trust C/O Kensey Kunkel 103 W. National Ave. Brazil, Indiana 47834.
Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in her memory.
