Jean Mahoney Barber

WILMINGTON—Phyllis “Jean” Mahoney (Barber), 88, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at her home on June 10, 2021 under the care of hospice.
She was born Sept. 1, 1932 in Norwalk, CT to Phillip and Edna Girouard, moving shortly after her birth to Leominster, MA where she spent the first years of her life and attended school. Jean’s first job was at a plastic and molding factory “Plastermatic” in Leominster. Jean had an excellent work ethic and held jobs throughout her life including Echo Flint Factory, Personal Products and the city of Wilmington.
Jean met and married the love of her life, William (Bill) J Mahoney in 1959. Bill and Jean adopted Shawn and later Mary from New York State where Bill was stationed at Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, NY. They moved to Wilmington in 1968 where Bill worked at the Arsenal before his death on Aug. 3 1970. Jean continued raising her family in Wilmington. She attended Custer Park Baptist Church and Island City Baptist Church.
Jean enjoyed playing cards with her family, blueberry picking, shopping, and just getting together with her friends and family. In her later years she enjoyed traveling to Florida to see family.
Although Jean is gone from this earth we know she is enjoying eternal life with Jesus and her loved ones who have gone before her. We hold in our hearts the memories of her kind generous spirit. She never failed to open her home to those in need and share anything that she could.
Jean is survived by her two children, Shawn W. Mahoney and Mary (Mark) James; grandchildren: Shawn Michael Mahoney, Ashley Hardwick, Aaron James, Taylor (Nathan) Forman and Veronica James, all of Florida and Michelle Cleaver; great-grandchildren: Emma, Skyler, Riley, Brantley Hardwick and Chelsea; nephews: Kevin, John and Danny Kennedy; her special niece and nephew, Kathy Kennedy and Brian Kennedy, who never failed to stop by and visit bringing her special treats.
Jean was preceded in death by her husbands: William Mahoney, Keal T Cleaver and John Barber; her sister, Edna “Ginger” Kennedy and brother-in-law, Francis “Frank” Kennedy.
Per Jean’s request, cremation rites have been accorded.
Memorial services will be held at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Rd. in Wilmington on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s name may be given to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
Family and friends are encouraged to the sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jean’s memorial page through social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/obituary/Jean-Mahoney
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.

Category: