Sister Ada (Paul) McMahon, CSJ, 91, died Sunday, November 10, 2024, in the 71st year of her religious life. The daughter of William Paul and Margaret Gutwald McMahon. Sister Ada entered the Congregation from St. Patrick Parish in Gallitzin, PA.
Sister Ada ministered in education for nearly 20 years at schools in the Pittsburgh and Greensburg dioceses, including St. Raphael in Pittsburgh and St. John in Uniontown. She served as co-principal at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Perrine, FL, for 13 years where her gifts in leadership and listening extended beyond the school and parish. Sister Ada often led retreats in the Archdiocese of Miami and traveled throughout Florida as a Southern States evaluator for school accreditation.
“I just loved the people, the kids, the parents,” she said, reflecting on her education ministry during her 70th jubilee celebration.
Upon returning to Western PA in 1990, Sister Ada’s ministry shifted from counseling high schoolers to caring for older adults in supportive housing. She served as co-manager of Clairvaux Commons in Indiana, PA, for 26 years. Sister Ada not only ensured the safety and security of each resident but was attentive to who needed a ride to the doctor and who enjoyed a game of cards. During her most recent ministry at Alexis Manor in Wexford, Sister Ada assisted in the office and was a comforting presence to aging residents.
“I do what I can to make their life easier,” she said of working in senior housing. “Sometimes, it’s just listening, trying to spread the peace that we need.”
Predeceased by her four brothers, William McMahon, James McMahon, Michael McMahon, and G. Patrick McMahon and a sister Ann L. Springer.
Sister Ada is survived by nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, Associates, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The Sisters are grateful to the Supportive Living staff at the Motherhouse for their care of Sister Ada.
Friends will be received Monday, November 18 at 6 p.m. for a Prayer Vigil, in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, November 19, at 3 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel.
Donations in the name of Sister Ada may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Mission Advancement Office, 1020 W. State St., Baden, PA 15005 or made online at www.stjoseph-baden.org.
