Anna Catherine Delaney Mahoney, whose life was her most accomplished work of art, died on January 19, 2018, at her home in Alexian Village.
From a palette overflowing with interests, talents, curiosity, and empathy, she created a life that combined love of family, the cherished spiritual heritage of Catholicism, deep roots in Chattanooga, a long career practicing and teaching visual art and design, and a steadfast dedication to promoting the ideals of justice and equality for all people of every race and nation.
Ann was born on Aug. 11, 1926, in Chattanooga to William Patrick Delaney and Marguerite Siener Delaney, and was the sister of the late Mary Margaret Delaney Hetzler, William P. Delaney Jr., and Joseph F. Delaney.
She was married for 58 years to Robert Langley Mahoney, until his death in 2008. Together they were the parents of Robert L. Mahoney, Jr. (Mary Catherine Dean) of Nashville, TN; Kaki (Dale) Roberts of Asheville, NC; Patrick W. (Rebecca) Mahoney of Macy, IN; Edward B. (Suzanne) Mahoney of Chattanooga; J. Christopher (Dianna) Mahoney of Summerville, SC; and an infant daughter who died shortly after birth. Ann is survived by beloved grandchildren—Brigid (Deshae) Caldwell, Patsy, Rosie, Dominic, Brian, Phillip (Brittany), Clara, Kathleen, Emily, Racy, Meg, and Will Mahoney, Jody Roberts, Holley (Travis) Corder, and Mitchell (Arden) Meek—and great-grandchildren—Orion Caldwell, Taran and Quinn Mahoney, and Thatcher and Reid Corder. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Virginia Vallee Delaney, of Salt Lake City.
A graduate of Notre Dame High School, Ann studied at Saint Mary of the Springs College in Dayton, OH, and received a degree in fine arts from the University of Chattanooga. While still in college she began working as a fashion illustrator at Loveman’s department store. She was soon recruited by Pickett’s (a Chattanooga women’s clothier), providing their fashion illustration for more than four decades. She managed print advertising for furniture and interior design companies (Clemons Brothers, Fowler Brothers, Hub Furniture, and Total Concepts); coordinated art and craft activities at Senior Neighbors; and taught graphic design at UT-Chattanooga.
As a prolific volunteer and community activist, Ann’s involvements included the Adult Education Council, Experiment in International Living, the Panel of American Women, Junior Great Books, citizen advisory committees of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Chattanooga Public Schools, board service and fund raising for many nonprofit organizations, and a world of volunteer functions for Saints Peter and Paul Parish and her children’s schools. For many years she taught a weekly painting workshop at easels clustered around her dining-room table.
Reflecting recently on her 91 years, Ann spoke about her life as a series of unanticipated blessings. “Good things kept presenting themselves all along the way,” she marveled, recalling both extraordinary opportunities and challenges. “All I had to do was say yes.”
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, at Chattanooga Funeral Home North, 5401 Highway 153. Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 214 East Eighth Street, followed by a private burial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the scholarship fund of Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404, or to the Public Education Foundation, 100 East Tenth Street, Suite 500, Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chatanooganorthchapel.com.