Vale Valerie Claire McMahon – 23 January 2026

Vale Valerie Claire McMahon 2/2/1935 – 10/1/2026

Val’s Mass of Thanksgiving was held on Friday 23 January 2026 at St Therese’s Church, Essendon.

Presided over by Fr John Hannon, there was a very large congregation and a VicWelsh presence of over 20 choristers enhanced by a good number of retired members plus Faleiry, Lorna and Lyn Henshall.

All five children, most of the six grandchildren, a brother-in-law and a nephew were involved in the service and spoke with love, respect and admiration for Val, the matriarch and heart of the family. Brendan’s poem Amazing Woman was very moving.

Conducted by Rushan and accompanied by Mary O’Driscoll, the choir sang Amazing Grace, The Lord is My Shepherd, How Great Thou Art (solo by Rushan), Anfonaf Angel and, as the casket was borne out by the family, Green, Green Grass of Home.

The photo montage was accompanied by recordings of Daisy a Day and What a Wonderful World.

Barry would like to wholeheartedly thank everybody who attended the service and supported him and the family.