Contributions to the tribute of Elizabeth Walsh McGahan

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In Memory of

Elizabeth Walsh McGahan

1943 - 2023

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Wednesday

August

Visitation

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Brenan's Paradise Row Funeral Home

111 Paradise Row

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Get Directions

Thursday

August

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 am

Thursday, August 3, 2023

St. Ann's Church

135 Simpson Drive

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

(506) 653-6870

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Interment

St. Joseph's Cemetery

327 Westmorland Road

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

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Valerie Burke posted a condolence

Thursday, March 14, 2024

I was recently saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague Elizabeth McGahan. Among other achievements while serving on the Canadian Catholic Historical Association Executive, it was her stoic determination that permanently connected the CCHA to EBSCO - the Academic Library used by researchers; a gift that will long serve the CCHA. I was personally grateful for her guidance at that time. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was such a knowledgeable leader but also a kind listener.

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Kristie Gordon posted a condolence

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Terribly sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. McGahan. For me, she was one of the most influential instructors at UNB. Her witty humor and wealth of knowledge made taking classes from her a genuine learning and enriching experience. Many years later we would reconnect to talk about gender and religion. I remember her as deeply passionate and caring person. I'm very grateful for the gift of her spirit

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Pat Trudel Pressel posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Beth was my college roommate. She had the best sense of humor and sense of adventure. Beth and Peter were very lucky to have each other and I know Beth never got over his loss. She was an incredible person. We were able to visit her in Canada and she remained the kind and beautiful person I knew in the1960s.

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Joanne Godfrey posted a condolence

Saturday, August 12, 2023

Please accept my condolences. She was one of my favourite Professors at UNBSJ. It was a travel course where we learned about the history of the railroad in xanada and how it was the start of tourism as we know it today. She was a wonderful lady.

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Shari Patstone posted a condolence

Thursday, August 3, 2023

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. McGahan. I first met her when she stepped in to replace my history professor several years ago mid-session at UNBSJ. She was knowledgable, kind, and witty. We all profited from her dedication to the craft of sharing knowledge. Her generosity of purpose will not be forgotten.

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Sue Carlson posted a condolence

Thursday, August 3, 2023

To the family of Elizabeth, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had many conversations over the last few years with Elizabeth and I truly enjoyed chatting with her. She was an intelligent, kind and generous woman and I am better for having known her. Please accept my deepest condolences. Sue Carlson

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Catholic Network for Women's Equality posted a condolence

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Members of the Catholic Network for Women’s Equality (CNWE) were very saddened to hear of Elizabeth’s passing and we offer our prayers and sincere condolences to Beth’s brother, Michael, his wife Elizabeth and extended family members. Beth was a dedicated, long-time member of CNWE and active in speaking out for justice and equality in the Catholic church at the local level. In recent years as a member of CNWE’s "Women in the World Energy Circle”, Beth offered input and encouragement to several CNWE statements advocating for women’s full participation in the church. Her wit and wisdom will be dearly missed and CNWE members commit to continuing her legacy of working for an inclusive, accountable Catholic Church.

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Donna Schroeter posted a condolence

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

My heartfelt sympathy to Beth’s brother and all his family. I first met Beth in the early 2000’s as part of Catholic Network for Women’s Equality in the Church. Beth was incredibly focused and passionate about enlightening others about church history. She was articulate and was not afraid to speak the truth. She was a present day “Mary Magdala”. I will always be grateful for her invitation to attend a conference in Connecticut regarding what was happening in the Catholic Church. For the gift of Beth, I am truly grateful. Her spirit is now reunited with Peter’s. She is now at peace. Donna Schroeter

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Dr. Janet M.C. Burns uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

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I met Drs. Elizabeth and Peter McGahan in 1988 when I accepted a position of Assistant Professor of Sociology at UNB in Saint John. Their mentorship was essential to the successes of my academic career. After Pete died Beth, Lee Chalmers, Li Song and I met regularly to "break bread together". The food was usually good, but the conversation was always inspiring and if need be, consoling. I am blessed by having had the pleasure of being a colleague and friend of Elizabeth McGahan. May she rest in peace and be reunited with the love of her life.

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Ann Brennan posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Like many others, I was very saddened to hear of Beth's passing. I knew her through our CNWE group where she was so impressive with her extensive knowledge of the history of women in the Church. She was a great addition to any of our gatherings as she enjoyed a good laugh and loved our pot lucks. She was so well read and always able to share current events happening within the Church. She was very faithful to our Purple Stole vigils , standing through biting winds and very cold weather despite her bad knees, totally dedicated to the cause. She will be missed very much by all of us. My deepest sympathy to her family. Ann Brennan

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Gary & Wendy Cornfield posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Dr. McGahan - an educator, historian, supportive wife and partner, and simply a joy to know. Her faith and relationship with God exuded from her calm, welcoming, and curious nature. As a neighbour and a colleague, Dr McGahan was always there and was always interested. She will be missed. May her family feel God's loving arms of comfort in every kind word and gesture received during this difficult time.

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Sarah DeVarenne posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. She was such a kind, generous and insightful person. She will be deeply missed.

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jonathan cann posted a condolence

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Our deepest sympathy to all Elizabeth's family. We will treasure the many conversations around the dinner table she shared with us throughout the years. Always pleasant, amusing, insightful and extremely humble. More importantly though, was her natural respect for opinions around her in discussion, on any topic. Our boys were welcomed in any dialogue with her while she encouraged their opinions and insight. With all her accomplishments, she had the gift of making you feel special. We will truly miss her! All our love, Jonathan, Debbie, Nathan, Matthew and Liam Cann xoxoxox

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Mary Jo McIntosh posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

My family and I were very saddened to hear of the death of Elizabeth Walsh McGahan. Beth and Peter lived across the street from us on McMurtrie Ave in New Maryland. She was dubbed Bethie by my youngest daughter and has always been Bethie to us. On more than one occasion my husband Mike and I crossed the street on Christmas Eve to retrieve Santa's presents for our four children. This was always accompanied by a tiny celebration. Beth was one of the founding members of the parish of Sts. John and Paul in New Maryland. She worked with the community on every aspect of the growth of our parish. One of her most significant contributions was the meticulous chronicling of our history. Beth was kind and funny and understated. She was part of our story. Mary Jo, Andrew, Susan, Michael and Joan Huskins McIntosh

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Mary Reeves posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

I first met Elizabeth through the Catholic Network for Women’s Equality, a national network of Catholic women and men who believe the Catholic community was deprived of the wisdom of women in church leadership and governance. Elizabeth participated in many purple stole vigils at the doors of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John as the parade of diocesan priests entered the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass held annually during Holy Week. Her insights in gender issues, Catholic thought and history of women in the Church and society led her to contribute in recent years to documents sent to Rome's current synodal process. Rest in peace and may your leadership and vision of an inclusive Catholic Church community come to pass.

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Mary McDevitt posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Elizabeth McGahan. She was my teacher, my mentor, and ultimately, my friend. Her profound love of history, and of historical research, and the sheer depth of her knowledge, was inspiring to all who knew her. As her student, I was the beneficiary of her sound advice, her encouragement, her insight and her unwavering support. Great strength and perseverance underlay her soft spoken gentleness and sense of humour. As her friend, over the years we enjoyed long conversations on a great many subjects, and I found in her a kindred spirit. I will miss her. Condolences to her family. Mary McDevitt.

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Karen Wilson nee Hines posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

One of my teachers at MNHS Grade 10 from 1970 - 1971. Lovely compassionate lady. Went on to greater things. Very sorry for the family’s loss!

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Peter Murphy posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

Bhí ionadh orm agus an-bhrón orm cloisteáil faoi bhás Elizabeth. Bhí aithne agam uirthi le breis agus daichead bliain: ar dtús mar léachtóir ag New Brunswick Historical Society agus, ina dhiaidh sin, mar ollamh agus mar cheannasaí. Cé go raibh difríocht againn go minic ar chúrsaí diagachta; bhí muid ar go leor bealaí gearrtha as an éadach céanna; roinn siad go leor leasanna i gcoiteann agus bhí siad chomh bródúil céanna as ár bhfréamhacha doimhne Éireannacha. Tá a fhios agam nach bhfuair sí bás i ndáiríre do Pheadar agus conas a d'fhéadfadh sí. Suaimhneas síoraí di! Peter Murphy

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Harold E. Wright posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

My condolences to her family. I have many great memories of Peter and Elizabeth - their research was meticulous and their generosity in sharing that research benefited so many of us.

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John P. Barry ONB KC posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

I had the privilege of providing advice and assistance to both Peter before his death and since with Beth. She was a lovely lady while always asking in depth informed questions consistent with her personality and great intellect. Her strong Roman Catholic faith was always evident although always prepared to challenge the Church on contentious well justified concerns.

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Susan G. Montague posted a condolence

Monday, July 31, 2023

It was a privilege to know Elizabeth as a colleague and friend. I admired her intellect, her dedication to scholarly research in history and religion, and her equanimitable manner. It was always a pleasure and often a learning experience to speak with her. She was someone who gave academia stature and gravitas.

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The family of Elizabeth Walsh McGahan uploaded a photo

Monday, July 31, 2023

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Joan Pearce posted a condolence

Sunday, July 30, 2023

I was sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s death. She was a caring, lovely person. She gave so much time serving as a volunteer board member to many organizations. I met her in the late 1980s when we were both working on a research committee of the Marco Polo Project. To her family, please accept my condolences.

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Lorie Cohen Hackett posted a condolence

Saturday, July 29, 2023

So very sorry to hear of Elizabeth's passing. She was a valued member of our Saint John Jewish Historical Museum which is where I met her. May her memory be a blessing.

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Mary Beth McCurdy,scic posted a condolence

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Condolences to Elizabeth’s family members in New York. To all colleagues and friends of Dr.Elizabeth, our remembrance in prayer. Grateful for her research gifts which delved into past and present happenings in World institutions, including the Catholic Church and the renewal of religious life. Be in peace! Sisters of Charity and Associates.

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Anne Marie McGrath posted a condolence

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Very sorry to see the death of Dr. Elizabeth McGahan - an enrichment to all the communities in which she participated and an encouragement to many. Always enjoyed our conversations. Like her husband Peter- a great supporter of UNB-SJ . Her sturdies and research will continue to nourish many. Eternal rest grant unto her. May she rest in peace.

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Lee Chalmers posted a condolence

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Elizabeth was a delight. I was often entertained by her witty observations, delivered with a twinkle in her eye and an infectious chuckle. Her passion for UNBSJ and Saint John was unwavering, and galvanizing. I feel most fortunate to have had the pleasure of her company over the years, enjoying discussions about gender studies and women religious as well as Canadian and American politics. I have benefitted from her insights into topics ranging from the best way to chop wood into kindling to investment strategies to consider when planning for retirement. I count Elizabeth among the gifts in my life, and she will be missed.

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Janice Noel posted a condolence

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Elizabeth was a lovely lady with a wonderful sense of humour. Always full of curiosity and a beacon of light for newer faculty. She will be missed.

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Greg Marquis posted a condolence

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Saddened to hear of Elizabeth McGahan's passing. A true supporter of the Saint John Campus of UNB and an active scholar who contributed to our knowledge of Saint John and of New Brunswick. She was also active in the community. I will miss her sense of humour and insights into the community.

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