Carmelyn Jean (McMahon) Johnson
May 14, 1930 – May 4, 2025
Carmelyn Jean (McMahon) Johnson followed her beloved husband, Dan, to peace on May 4, 2025, exactly three months after his passing. She was born on May 14, 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, where her father owned McMahon Drug and Soda Fountain at 10th and Main. Her parents were deeply involved in the Boise community and set strong examples of compassion and charity that shaped Carmelyn's life of devoted service.
Carmelyn attended Washington Elementary, North Junior High, St. Teresa’s Academy, and the University of Idaho, where she became a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. The McMahon family were active parishioners at St. John the Evangelist until becoming founding members of St. Mary’s Parish in 1948.
Her name—borrowed from a nun her mother admired—often led to affectionate mispronunciations like Carmela, Carolyn, or Carmen, but the family favorite was “Charm.” And fittingly so—Carmelyn lit up every room with grace and warmth. She loved gatherings, charity events, and fundraisers, always bringing a special kind of sparkle to every occasion.
After college, Carmelyn taught third grade at Lowell Elementary, where fate introduced her to Daniel C. Johnson, a charming GI recently returned from World War II. They met at a Cabrini Club Bingo night at St. John’s Parish and were married on October 23, 1951, at St. Mary’s Church. Together they raised four children in just six years: Mary Ellen, Daniel Henry, Paul David, and Carole Ann. Their 73-year marriage was a true testament to love and faith.
Though devoted to her family, Carmelyn remained tireless in her volunteer work. She joined the Saint Alphonsus Auxiliary in 1956, eventually serving as president from 1967–1968 and remaining a lifetime member. In 2023, she was honored as a Distinguished Individual Citizen by the St. Alphonsus Foundation.
She also served on the Boise Planning and Zoning Commission, and alongside Dan, generously supported organizations including the Boise Philharmonic, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Sun Valley Jazz Festival, Idaho Historical Museum, Boise Art Museum, Basque Museum, Idaho Food Bank, and many Catholic charities.
A member of the Boise Junior League for over 60 years, Carmelyn also belonged to the Women of Rotary, Fort Boise Questers, and PEO. Her service to Kappa Kappa Gamma spanned 75 years, including leadership roles as president and province director of alumni.
Carmelyn leaves behind a powerful legacy of kindness, service, and elegance. She is survived by her children and their spouses:
Daniel H. (Traci) Johnson, Paul D. (Anne) Johnson, Carole A. (Tim) Bower, and Stan Voshell;
her grandchildren and their 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.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dan, her parents, her brothers John, William, and David McMahon, her daughter Mary Ellen Voshell, and two grandsons, David and Adam Voshell.
Funeral Mass
Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Boise, Idaho
Reception to follow from 12:15–2:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Country Club, 4610 W. Hillcrest Dr.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the St. Alphonsus Foundation—two institutions that Carmelyn held dear.
