Dorothy Adele "Dot" (Shortall) McMahon

age 63, passed away peacefully on 

Sunday, June 23, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS. She was the beloved wife of John F. McMahon, Jr., Born in Pawtucket, RI, and the daughter of the late Thomas P. and Phyllis L. (Jacques) Shortall.

Dot spent her formative years in Rhode Island; she graduated from Shea High School, Class of 1979, where she was a varsity majorette. She moved to Thompson, CT, for thirty-five years, where she put her outgoing personality to work in various customer service jobs. Her career path also included working as a bus driver for 25 years in the Thompson School System and for Marianapolis Preparatory School, performing this job because she loved being a part of her children’s schools. In true Rhode Islander fashion, she returned to her home state, moving to Narragansett, RI, where she could be seen buzzing around town in her signature and somewhat infamous “BCHLDY” license plate. Dot and John enjoyed many happy years together at their favorite spot - Chair 2 on the Narragansett Town Beach, and Dot would always ensure that nobody nearby was drinking Del’s with a straw! While enjoying her time in the sun, Dot’s favorite pastime was looking for sea glass, a passion she took on her many cruises and trips to Aruba.

Time spent with Dot was never short of a good time. Affectionately referred to as “Hottie Dottie” by her extended family, she loved cheering on her favorite New England sports teams, watching NCAA March Madness, and heading to Washington, D.C., for the political rally. Her life was full of memories with family and friends whom she loved! She was a great neighbor, friend, and mother; Dot truly lived her life without regret. Even when faced with a terrible illness, she always tried to do something positive daily, a goal that could be accomplished by simply smiling at strangers to spread some joy. Lastly, Dot and her family thank Dr. Ryan Allen and Dr. Preston Douglas for their wonderful care during her final days. 

Besides her husband, she leaves her two children, Kayla E. McMahon of Weston, MA, and John P. McMahon and his wife Krista of Thompson, CT; four brothers, Thomas Shortall, Jr. and his wife Sue of Maine, Scott Shortall of Florida, Douglas Shortall and his wife Marguerite of Florida, and Stephen Shortall and his wife Jennifer of Coventry, RI; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Dottie’s life, to which everyone is invited to wear green, will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Noon in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett. VISITING HOURS Friday 10 am-12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Iris Ortiz, With Love Transportation, 43 Railroad Street, Suite 6, Woonsocket, R.I. 02895, www.withlovetransportation.net or to the Friends of the Narragansett Library, 25 Pier Marketplace, Narragansett, RI 02882.