Carolyn Marie Mahon

Princeton - Carolyn Marie Mahon, 88, of Princeton, Illinois passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026 at Liberty Village surrounded by her loving family. Carolyn was born on September 8, 1937 in St. Peter, Illinois to Walter Knauer and Vera (Jasper) Knauer. She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Peter Lutheran Church, attended St. Peter Lutheran School and graduated in 1956 from La Grove High School in Farina, Illinois. She attended Eastern Illinois University and began her teaching career at Trinity Lutheran School in Springfield followed by St. John's Lutheran School in Chester. She moved to Princeton in 1964 and focused on raising her young children. She started teaching again in 1969 at Gingerbread House Nursery School where she continued working until 1979. Carolyn attended night school at IVCC in a pilot program offered by Illinois State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1979. She began teaching 5th grade science in the Princeton school district until her retirement in 2001. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma since 1989; and after retirement, was a substitute teacher and tutored for many years. She left a lasting impression on countless students and families. Some know her as "Witchiepoo" from Gingerbread House or recall making a heart t-shirt in her science class, but all remember her kindness and passion for teaching. A faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Princeton for 62 years, Carolyn lived her faith through service. She was a member of Rebekah Circle and volunteered as a church council member, Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher. She served on various committees over the years, including the Call and Evangelism Committees. She cherished her church and church friends. Carolyn embraced life fully and found joy through time with family (especially her grandchildren), friends and colleagues. She was in her element when she was interacting with others. Witty, caring, inquisitive and perceptive, no one was a stranger to her. She enjoyed antiquing, bowling, playing bridge, and board games, especially Scrabble. She is lovingly survived by her son, Thomas (Carol) Mahon of Grove City, Ohio; her daughter, Dena (Dave) Bagger of Champaign, Illinois; four grandchildren, Zach Mahon, Kate (Ryan) Sharp, Josh Bagger, and Joe Bagger; and one great-grandchild, Miles Sharp. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Vera Knauer; her sisters, Arminda Damery and Patricia Kuta; her brother, Eugene Knauer; and her former husband, C. Dean Mahon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church of Princeton and/or Bureau County Senior Center. A visitation will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Princeton, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bill Shields officiating. Graveside services will follow at Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dave Bagger, Josh Bagger, Joe Bagger and Ryan Sharp. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments. "Her life was a testament to faith, service, education, and love. Carolyn's kindness, wisdom, and devotion to her family, church, and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her."

Carolyn Marie Mahon

September 8, 1937 - May 30, 2026