Martha Anne Moynahan McMahon of Needham, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2021. Born on May 2, 1945 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Martha was the youngest of five children of District Attorney Stephen A. and Irene Doherty Moynahan of Longmeadow, MA. Her childhood was filled with happy memories of summers at Old Lyme Shores, civic engagement through the local and national political activities of her family and lots of music and song. Everyone knew the “Moynahan Sisters.” When their older brother Stephen enrolled at Georgetown, the Moynahan girls followed and took Trinity College and Washington, D.C. by storm. A member of the Trinity Chimes, her college acapella group, Martha shared her incredible singing talent at concerts and performances at political events, in the basement of The 1789, and at venues throughout the city. She recorded an album titled “Softly” and shared her lifelong love of music and art with her children and grandchildren.
In 1968, she married George Christopher McMahon and they raised their two daughters in Needham, Massachusetts. An active volunteer in the Boston area, Martha volunteered for the Meals on Wheels Program and the Beth Israel Deaconess in Needham, was an active pen pal with her buddies through the Mitchell Elementary School Pen Pal Program, created gorgeous arrangements for Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts, managed countless St. Bart’s Bazaars and committees, shopped so thoughtfully each year for the underserved youth in the Camp Harbor View Holiday Program, wrapped Christmas gifts at the St. Joe’s Santa’s Workshop for ten years and gave selflessly of her time and talents. Children’s Hospital was special to her. Each year her Christmas gifts included a letter to each of her grandchildren with a donation in their names reminding them to be grateful for all that they have. She never wanted anyone to know how much she gave to others, and she set a quiet example of how to live a life of serving and meaning.
In her thirty years selling real estate in the suburbs of Boston, Martha guided countless families with her kindness and professionalism. She was the “go-to” person for her daughters’ friends as they bought houses. Martha quickly became “Grammy” to all of her clients, and she cared deeply that they were happy as they built their new lives. She made every member of her family and every friend feel as if they were the only person who had ever sat at her kitchen table or on her porch and found wisdom and guidance in her words. She was intelligent and engaged in the world around her, and the twinkle in her eye reminded that you that she never missed a thing.
Known as G-Dawg, the Gramster and Grammy to her seven grandchildren, Martha fiercely loved her family. Her love was real and honest and fun. We will hear her voice every time we remember to stand up straight, every time we polish the silver bells in preparation for a formal holiday and every time we eat ice cream for dinner. She was proud of her grandchildren and had a special and unbreakable relationship with each and every one of them. It was not uncommon for the grandkids to give up a night with friends to go have a “G-Dawg sleepover.” There is not a lacrosse or soccer field, hockey rink, tennis court, concert hall, xc course or gym in New England that she didn’t know about as she watched her grandkids compete, sing and grow. From the shores of Marco Beach and Key Biscayne in Florida to the waters of Nantucket Sound at Dowses Beach, Martha loved to take her family on vacation, and on those beaches, she built a bond both with them and for them that will last forever.
Adored mother of Michaela McMahon Popeo (Steve) of Needham and predeceased by her daughter Mariah McMahon Stanton (Pete) of Medfield. The most amazing G-Dawg to Brenna, Lindsay, Drew, Jake, Kiera, Lily and Lexi. Best friend and sister of Stephen A. Moynahan (Elaine) of Williamstown, MA, Irene M. Splaine of Los Gatos, CA, Eleanor Bagley (Billy) of Ridgefield, CT and Rosemary M. Kristofak of West Hartford, CT. Predeceased by brothers in law Gerry Kristofak and Charles Splaine. Hilarious Aunt to 18 Moynahan nieces and nephews and loved dearly by her 11 McMahon nieces and newphews. Incredible friend to and Co-Chair in the Grandparenting Business with George C. McMahon and dear friend of Maria McMahon. Martha will be missed beyond words, but the world is a better, brighter place for having her in it.
A private family Funeral Mass will be held in St. Bartholomew’s Church, Needham.
Donations may be made in Martha’s memory to The Trauma Program of Boston Children’s Hospital, giving.childrenshospital.org.