Barbara J. Mahoney

Barbara J. Mahoney, 89, went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, Tuesday Dec. 1, 2020 after a sudden illness. She was born March 29, 1931 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Louis and Marie (Mueller) Gastel. Growing up, she spent many summers on the family farm and had a special affection for the animals, birds and the beauty of nature. She would tell stories the rest of her life of those wonderful memories with her brother, Tom Gastel, and all of her Gastel cousins; Bud, Jim, Chuck and Debbie. Barbara was 1948 graduate of Aquin High School, and it was there she met her high school sweetheart and love of her life, J. Louis, "Louie," Mahoney . They were married Sept. 16, 1950, and celebrated 47 years together. Louis passed away September 11, 1997 and she missed him dearly for 23 years. They were blessed with six children. With warm memories and grateful hearts we treasure their gifts to us of; art, music, dancing, and laughter. Barbara will forever be remembered for her many passions, talents, and interests; showing German Shepherd dogs, studying wolves, politics, dancing, sewing, and loving nature. A gifted artist, her sketches and paintings grace all of our homes as cherished reminders of her. She loved traveling to Colorado to visit kids and grandkids, riding horses and spending time in the mountains. Barbara had a passion for studying God's Word, learning about Israel, and was a true prayer warrior for others. She so enjoyed her Bible Study Groups and special friends. Barb loved people and always had time for anyone who stopped by her home. Her positive attitude and caring nature expressed you were very valuable to her. She was a devoted member of Crossroads Community Church. Barb's love and trust in the Lord never wavered through tough times, and she finished her journey on this earth strong. She loved and cherished her family, praying constantly for all of us. We will miss her more than words can express but we find peace knowing she is in the loving arms of Jesus and joined with loved ones. She is survived by 4 of her children: Chuck (Connie) Mahoney of Woodland Park, CO; Terri Collins of Woodland Park, CO; Mary (Andrew) Boyer of Freeport, IL; and Michele (Dan) Sobieck of New Prague, MN; Daughter-in-Law, Robin Mahoney of Freeport, IL; Son-in-law, Dave (Melissa) Kemp, Madison, WI. 13 GRANDCHILDREN: Sarah, Matt, Mason, Joshua, Megan, Elyse, Jared, Chase, Travis, Brady, Caitlin, Tess and Sam. And 16 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN. Two special nieces: Amy(Craig) Reihle; Martha (Jeff) Lehman, a nephew, Tony Gastel and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, and her daughter Sue Kemp, her son Matt Mahoney, her brother Tom Gastel, and sister-in-law Carol Gastel. A special thank you to Colleen Russell, and the staff at Liberty Village, Hawthorne Estates. She adored all of you and you went above and beyond for her during these difficult Covid days. Private family services will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, Dec. 11th , 2020 at Crossroads Community Church in Freeport. Due to Covid restrictions a live stream will be available via: https://www.facebook.com/michele.sobieck Barbara will be laid to rest in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Please visit and sign Barbara's guest book at www.burketubbs.com. In lieu of flowers or planting a memorial tree, the family has established a memorial fund in her memory to support our local community.