Carolyn Marie McMahon, 78, of Flandreau, SD, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Carolyn was born on March 7, 1943 near Hurley, SD to Eldo and Gladys (Benson) Friman. She graduated from Hurley High School in May 1962. She attended the SD Beauty Academy in Sioux Falls and graduated in 1963. She worked as a beautician in Madison, SD until she married Loren McMahon on September 3, 1965. They moved to the family homestead where she helped Loren with running the farm. In 1966 she gave birth to their eldest daughter, Brenda and in 1968 they welcomed the 2 ^nd daughter, Pamela. They continued to run the farm until Loren passed away on January 1, 1994. After moving into Flandreau, Carolyn worked as a daycare assistant, home healthcare worker and up until retirement, she worked as a bus monitor for Flandreau Head Start.

After retirement she continued to stay busy. She enjoyed attending her great-grandson's multiple sporting events, traveling to Arizona, meeting with her friends weekly for coffee and playing cards. She loved spending time with her friends and family. She was the life of the party and the stories are one for the books. She was funny, loving, caring and always took care of everyone. She adopted everyone she met as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carolyn was selfless, our #1 supporter and the matriarch of the family, who can never be replaced.

Carolyn is survived by two daughters, Brenda (Dale) Kroeger, Dell Rapids, SD; Pamela (Loren) Hillstrom, Jamestown, ND; granddaughter Melissa McMahon; great-grandson Kayden; five siblings, Doris Cordell, Huron, SD; Audrey (George) Sample, Flandreau, SD; Margaret Adel, White, SD; Eleanor Bjerkaas, Yankton, SD; Genette Rusk, Flandreau, SD and countless adopted children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Loren; two grandchildren, Christopher and Brittany; son-in-law Paul Mines; parents; six sisters, Dorothy, Geraldine, Minnie, Frances, Marian, Edith; and three brothers, Gene, Richard and Jim.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 Friday, October 1, 2021 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, Flandreau, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is 5:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday with a 7:00 pm scripture service at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. Masks are recommended but not required.