Minerva Mahoney

Minerva Lathrop Crozier Mahoney passed away on November 1, 2010 at her home surrounded by her children and grandchildren in Fishers, IN at the age of 78. Minerva was born October 26, 1932 in Madison, to Martha McKinney Crozier and James Edward Crozier who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her husband Larry Mahoney of 55 years and one daughter Esther Mahoney who died shortly after her birth.
She was born at the home of her great grandfather William Watts Crozier in the small river town of Madison IN at breakfast time on October 26, 1932 to Martha Anna McKinney and James Edward Crozier. She was baptized at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday April 16, 1933. Minerva went to elementary school at Eggleston Elementary School. She joined Trinity United Methodist Church in 1944. During high school Minerva worked at Sample's Ice Cream Store while being active in Sigma Iota and the Methodist Youth Fellowship and graduated from Madison High School in 1950. She then joined the local chapter of Tri Kappa. Upon graduation she was awarded a Methodist Church scholarship to attend nursing school. She graduated with an R. N. degree from the Methodist School of Nursing in Indianapolis IN. There on a "blind double date" she would meet Larry Mahoney. They would marry in the chapel at North United Methodist Church on Meridian Street in Indianapolis IN by Reverend Frank Templin who was Minerva's pastor through high school in Madison.
As a young child Minerva would watch the airplanes land and take off from the Crozier Air Field. This childhood fascination would later lead to a love of flying. Minerva learned to fly in 1965 and held a private pilot's license, an instrument rating and a commercial license. She was active in the 99's, a women's pilot organization started by Amelia Earhart. She served on various committees and held a variety of offices in that organization. Minerva flew in numerous races both in the United States and in Central America. She especially enjoyed the challenge of flying in the Powder Puff Derby air races sponsored by the 99' s. Minerva was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots' Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Minerva flew in numerous races piloting a bright orange Waco UPF 7, a 1942 WW II biplane that she owned with her husband, Larry also a pilot. Minerva and Larry would fly this plane and camp-out under the wings when attending various air shows and fly-ins. Minerva also enjoyed conventional traveling and traveled to fascinating places both in the United States and also around the world. Three of the most interesting places she traveled to were the Soviet Union, during the Communist rule, to Australia and to Alaska. Minerva Mahoney had an eye for fashion, art and design. She dabbled in painting, fashion design and architecture. In the mid-1960's she would design, build and furnish a unique eight-sided house in which the family would live in for over forty years. In her later years Minerva would enjoy reading, completing crossword puzzles, watching her "mysteries" and spending time at home wither her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. In many ways Minerva Mahoney was a woman ahead of her time, achieving what most women today still can only dream of accomplishing.
Minerva is survived by two daughters: Dawn Mahoney Crandall and her husband Robert of Eaton, OH and Autumn Mahoney and her husband Michael Page of Fishers IN. Her two sisters Eleanor "Sissy" Crozier Alexander and her husband James "Junie" Alexander of Madison, IN and Susan Crozier Ewing and husband Robert Ewing of Jacksonville, Fl. She also leaves five grandchildren: Kevin Mahoney Leitch, Reuben Nathanial Mahoney, Minerva Rebecca Mahoney, Eden Fontonell Quick and Jennifer Page, and two great grandsons Kian Joseph Mahoney Leitch and Aedan Patrick Mahoney Leitch. She will also be missed by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and several great- great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for both Minerva Mahoney and Larry Mahoney at the Randall and Roberts Funeral Home in Fishers IN on November 27th. Visitation will be from 1:30PM to 3:00PM and the Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the 99's International Organization for Women Pilots Scholarship Fund and the Indiana University Kelly School of Business.