Carmelyn Jean (McMahon) Johnson

Carmelyn Jean (McMahon) Johnson followed her beloved husband, Dan, to peace on May 4, 2025, exactly three months after his death. She was born on May 14th, 1930, in Boise, Idaho to Clara Alice (Wipperman) McMahon and John Francis McMahon, the third child and only daughter. The family lived on Harrison Boulevard; John owned the McMahon Drug and soda fountain on 10th and Main. She received excellent examples of charitable and compassionate care from her parents who were very involved in the Boise community. Carmelyn attended Washington Elementary, North Junior High, St. Teresa’s Academy, and University of Idaho. She became a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at U of I. The family were active members of St. John the Evangelist Parish until they became founding members of St. Mary’s Parish in 1948.

Her unusual name was from a nun that Clara especially liked but it caused people to call her a variety of similar names like Carmela, Carmelon, Carolyn, Carmen, and the family favorite – Charm. While we may have giggled a little bit at the name Charm, the reality is that it was an appropriate name. Carmelyn loved social gatherings, charity events and fundraisers. She was always able to work a room – spreading her kindness and charm in a very gracious and admirable way. 

Following her years at the University of Idaho, Carmelyn taught the third grade at Lowell Elementary when a handsome GI home from World War II came into her life, Daniel C. Johnson. Carmelyn and Dan met at a Cabrini Club event, a Catholic singles Bingo night at St. John’s Parish. They were married October 23, 1951, at St. Mary’s Church. Four children came quickly in 6 years: Mary Ellen, Daniel Henry, Paul David, and Carole Ann. Truly a marriage made in heaven, they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in 2024. 

Carmelyn stayed home to raise her children yet found time for volunteer service organizations. The one word to describe her accomplishments is loyal as she served her community faithfully for many years. Carmelyn followed her mom into the Saint Alphonsus Auxiliary in 1956, serving as its president from 1967 to 1968 and remaining a lifetime member. She was honored as a 2023 Distinguished Individual Citizen by the St. Alphonsus Foundation. She served on the Boise Planning and Zoning Commission. Both as volunteers and financially, she and Dan supported: Boise Philharmonic, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Sun Valley Jazz Festival, Idaho Historical Museum, Boise Art Museum, Basque Museum, Idaho Food Bank and numerous Catholic charities. She was a member of Boise Junior League for over 60 years, Women of Rotary, Fort Boise Questers, and PEO. She completed 75 years of service with Kappa Kappa Gamma, including serving as its president and a province director of alumni. 

Carmelyn has been an inspiration to her friends, family and hopefully many others. She will be greatly missed by her surviving children and their spouses: Daniel H. (Traci) Johnson, Paul D. (Anne) Johnson, Carole A. (Tim) Bower and Stan Voshell; their children and spouses: Jennifer Voshell Jordan, Alex (Maddie) Voshell, Blake (Ashton) Bower, Brian (Barbara) Johnson, Courtney (Brad) Johnson, Erik (Brittany) Johnson, Julia (Alex) Vu; and 11 great grandchildren: Ian, Jackie and Nathan Jordan; Harris and Sophia Voshell; Vella, Huxley and Violette Bower; Patrick Martin-Johnson; Vivian and Savannah Vu; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers John, William and David McMahon, daughter Mary Ellen Voshell, and two grandsons, David, and Adam Voshell. 

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Boise on May 16, 2025, at 11:00 am followed by private interment. Please join us for a reception to celebrate her life at Hillcrest Country Club, 4610 W. Hillcrest Dr., from 12:15 to 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a contribution to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or The St. Alphonsus Foundation.