Lora Jean Mahoney

Beautiful longtime Alaskan Lora Jean Mahoney, 49, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2016.

Lora was born on January 17, 1967 in Alexandria, Minnesota to Glen and Jayne Miles. Lora’s family began their Alaskan dream in June 1974. Family and friends were the joy of Lora’s life. She grew up in Hatcher Pass. As an adult Lora spent many hours with family and friends at her beloved Lake Louise cabin. She enjoyed music, nature, and creating handcrafts. Always smiling she loved to celebrate, and frequently hosted gatherings for family and friends at their home. She graduated from Palmer High School in 1985 and earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Lora taught special education in the Mat-Su Borough School District for fifteen years and is fondly remembered by staff and families at Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Larson Elementary, and Birch Tree Charter School. She most recently taught preschool at Goose Bay Elementary, where she filled the hearts of many staff, students, and their families. She married the love of her life, Mike Mahoney, on April 9, 2005. They enjoyed spending time together at their beautiful home in Knik, cabin at Lake Louise, and vacationing — sharing their life as one.

She is survived by her husband Michael Mahoney; daughter Ashlee Ronning, her fiancée Shaina McIntyre and their son Kaiden; parents Glen and Jayne Miles; sister Yvette Delaquito, her husband John and their children Jonathon, Tony and Keegan; sister Kim Mahoney, husband Tim and their children Jacob and Claire; father-in-law Patrick Mahoney and wife Kathryn. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Jean Mahoney. Lora had recently enjoyed time with her immediate family, aunts, uncles, and cousins at a family reunion at Lake Louise Lodge.

Lora was a musician and artist, and her songs carry on in the heart of her many family members and friends. She is remembered as a kind and gentle soul. The family wishes to thank the many friends and co-workers who have reached out to let them know how she touched their lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mat-Su Imagination Library through matsuimaginationlibrary.org/donate.html or P.O. Box 875201, Wasilla, AK 99687.

On July 12, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be a viewing at Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary located at 209 S. Alaska Street in Palmer, Alaska. Additionally, there will be a celebration of life on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church located at 501 E. Bogard Road in Wasilla. Reception will follow at the Eagle River Elks Lodge. Her ashes will be spread at a later time.