Georgia H. Mahonen
CAMDEN — Georgia H. Mahonen, 97, died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Quarry Hill in Camden.
Georgia was born May 20, 1928, in Rockland to George Hartley and Berniece Snowman Jackson. She grew up in Rockland and attended local schools. Her childhood was filled with neighborhood activities and adventures, including ice skating, neighborhood games, and riding a mule bareback—a feat she enjoyed finding a photograph of and talking about in her final days. Georgia also loved playing with dolls, a passion that continued into her adult life as she amassed a large collection of dolls of all types.
Shortly after graduating high school, Georgia married the love of her life, William Mahonen, at an intimate service at the family’s home in Rockland. The couple married on June 20, 1946, and after a brief honeymoon in Massachusetts, moved into an apartment in Rockland. Later, they built a home on the St. George Road in South Thomaston. There, Georgia and Bill spent many happy years raising their two daughters, Ailie and Anne, homesteading, and spending time with her Finnish in-laws.
From her family, Georgia learned many talents, including cooking and sewing. Her family looked forward to her delicious homestyle meals, Finnish Nisu bread, Chinese chop suey, pistachio cake, molasses cookies, peanut butter fudge, and "300-dollar bars." Georgia was, however, best known for her Santa cookies—sugar cookies that were painstakingly molded with a Santa-faced cookie cutter, baked, and then hand-painted and decorated. For over 50 years, she made these cookies for her children’s and grandchildren’s school classes and Scouting groups, as well as family and friends. Georgia estimated that she had made nearly 10,000 of these cookies throughout the years.
Georgia was also a wonderful seamstress, making many special clothing items, doll clothes, and sets of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. She was industrious outside of the home as well. As a child, she helped with Jackson’s Transport, the family business, delivering newspapers and goods throughout the community. As a teenager, she worked at the Samoset Hotel. As an adult, she worked at 40 Fathoms Fish Plant, Port Clyde Canning Company, as a “lunch lady” at Rockland High School, at the Sandy Shores Campground snack bar and store, for Weight Watchers, and even sold Beeline on the side.
Georgia loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She never missed a family get-together and could often be heard saying she would be there, “even if she had to crawl.” She also loved the summer. As soon as her grandchildren were old enough to travel, she and Bill bought a camper and rented a seasonal lot at Sandy Shores Campground in Warren. Georgia thoroughly looked forward to her grandchildren spending the summers with her.
While Georgia enjoyed these occasions, she also found joy in the simple things: eating a Wasses hot dog at the Public Landing, watching the birds, a Walmart or Goodwill shopping trip, taking a ride to see the fall leaves or Christmas lights, a new Nora Roberts book, Chinese take-out, getting a haircut, or a peanut butter ice cream.
In 2017, Georgia moved into the assisted living facility at Quarry Hill in Camden. There, she made many new friends and participated in many outings and events. She was part of the Quarry Hill Residents’ Committee, enjoyed baking for the monthly welcome socials, and looked forward to weekly Beano games. Georgia also discovered a love for jigsaw puzzles. She was grateful for the care she received at Quarry Hill and considered many of the staff her friends. She was especially fond of her favorite CNA, Gretchen, whom she referred to as her “bonus granddaughter.”
By far, Georgia’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved being a Nanny! Her proudest moment was when her great-great-granddaughter was born and named after her. She was proud to be part of five living generations and delighted that her name and legacy would be carried on by her namesake.
Georgia will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Anne Mahonen (David Little) of Cushing; four grandchildren, Aimee Little Sanfilippo (Peter Landry) of Thomaston, Jeremy Little (Donna) of Wakefield, Massachusetts, Reuben Little (Maya) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Breana Little of Thomaston; six great grandchildren, Ariana (Kyle), Sebastian, Elaine (Jules), Spencer, Hudson, and Walden; and one great-great-grandchild, Kendall Georgia.
Georgia was predeceased by her siblings, Marjorie Carpenter, Edith Smith, and William Jackson; her husband, William; her daughter Ailie Williey; and an infant son, Jon.
The family is grateful for the care provided by Dr. Cheryl Liecty, the staff of Quarry Hill Assisted Living, and Maine Health Hospice.
A memorial service will be held on June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m., at the Wiley’s Corner Cemetery in St. George. A reception will follow downstairs at the Finnish Congregational Church in South Thomaston.
To share a story or memory with Georgia’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. Rockland.
