Cary Christa McMahon

Cary was the only daughter of Ronald and Mary McMahon and the younger sister to her brother Ron.

Growing up, it was clear that Cary had been born with a strong gift of creative flair and the natural artistic ability that empowered many of her ancestors.  Throughout her life she was always drawing – bringing her imagination’s colourful creations to life. 

Cary’s dyslexia meant that her academic journey and engagement with an ever-more written world was a struggle, but this didn’t stop her pursuit of her dreams.  In her teen years, her creativity expanded into the realm of clothing, makeup and hairdressing.  Her eye for fashion and keen styling skills were soon achieving awards, competition victories and rewarding employment in Calgary’s top chic hair salon.  

Sadly, just as her hairstyling career was rocketing up in fame and success, her use of cannabis triggered the demon of schizophrenia – and in an instant this wonderful daughter, sister and beautiful young woman was forever lost to the permanent fog and distraction of profound delusion.

Sometimes, the fog cleared.  These sunny days led to hope and peace but inevitably the weather would shift, bringing back that which was not welcome.  Medicine often delivered a completely different storm of consequence, shutting down all perception, focus and experience of life. 

Cary wanted life, a good life full of happiness and experiences like that of being a mother to her son Jonathan and daughter Ashley but even she knew that when her last child, a second son was born, he too would be welcomed away into a loving adoptive family.

Life is an adventure, there are dark and difficult times that are ended when the light of love breaks the spell.  Cary’s story features her own knight in shining armour who literally rescued her from the grips of an attack.  Once freed, Cary knew that her rescuer, Billy was the man for her and he knew he had just found his princess – they became inseparable soulmates.

For the two decades that Cary and Billy were together, they made it work despite the challenges of life, choosing to support, help and love each other through thick and thin.  Billy truly was sent from God with the patience and persistence needed to sustain their love through it all. 

Sadly, Cary’s long battle against a slow degradation of her health was lost in a final battle against COPD.  Like her encounter with her shining Knight, Cary is now in the rescuing arms of Jesus.  Her youthful encounter with him is now realized in his love, care and acceptance of her – forever embracing her in the clarity and brightness of his light and perfect love for her.

Rest in his loving arms dear Cary.