Obituaries

Michael P. Ibes

Michael P. Ibes; beloved son of the late Helen nee Gould and John; dear brother of John J, Joseph, Virginia, David (Sharon), Marianne (David) Smolinski, Patricia (Joe) Ozog, and the late Paul; fond uncle of Christopher, Brandon (Jennifer), Alex, Abby, Madalyn, and Natalie and great uncle of Madeline and Ian; Services private. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

Carol Bartell

Carol Bartell (Weinberg) was born on March 17, 1945 in New York, NY and passed away on March 2, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Carol grew up in the Bronx with her parents and younger brother, Howard Weinberg. She went to Hunter College in NYC, and on to Graduate School, where she earned her Masters in Audiology and Speech Pathology. After starting her career at Bellevue Hospital in NYC, she spent the vast majority of her career with the Special School District of St. Louis. She loved being an audiologist, who we often called the “beep lady”. Carol was first married on January 15, 1967 (yes, during Superbowl I) to Ralph Bartell. They had 2 children, and lived in New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Michigan and then St. Louis. Divorced when the children were young, Carol was a single mother who raised her kids on her own all while working, actively participating in her kids’ loves, and finding time for friends. She was also a dedicated member and leader of the Ethical Society of St. Louis and the American Ethical Union. Carol married Bill Brighoff in 1994, and they shared a love of theater, travel, and intellectual endeavors for many years until he passed away in 2019. Carol moved to Chicago in 2023, and was diagnosed with leukemia at the same time. In her time in Chicago, where she lived close to her daughter and granddaughters, she made many new friends at her senior living building and was laughing and telling stories until the very end. Carol loved learning. She genuinely enjoyed meeting new people, especially listening to their life story. She cherished her grandchildren, teaching them to be silly, thoughtful, questioning, fun, loving and a little defiant of their parents – much like everyone else she encountered. Carol was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Bertha Weinberg, her second husband, William (Bill) Brighoff, and her stepson, Mark Brighoff. She is survived by her brother, Howard Weinberg (Sandy Weinberg), her children, Andrew Bartell (Caroline Bartell) and Kerry Teninty (Vincent Teninty), her grandchildren, Joanna Bartell, Ashlynn Teninty, Alexandra Teninty, and Kevin Bartell, and her nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Daniel Brighoff, Becky Immer and Ben Brighoff, and 4 step-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held in mid-April with details to follow from the family. In lieu of flowers, it was Carol’s wish that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) or The Black Repertory Theater of St. Louis (theblackrep.org). Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.gffh.com

 

Martin Heneghan

Martin Heneghan; cherished son of the late Margaret nee O’Toole and Patrick “Woogie”; loving brother of Patrick (Carol), Theresa (Mike) Henry, Brian (Sheila), Sean (Maria), Kathleen (Michael) McComb, Michael (Elvia), Colleen (Kirk) Thompson, Moirra and the late Mary Josephine, Eileen and Michael Anthony; dear nephew, uncle, and cousin to many; Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Visitation 2:00 PM until time of Mass, 3:00 PM at Misericordia 6300 N. Ridge. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Misericordia. Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

Paul W. Barbahen

In Loving Memory of Paul Wenzel Barbahen

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we bid farewell to Paul, a beloved husband, dad, grandpa/Opa, friend, and cherished member of our community, who departed too soon from this world on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024.

Paul is survived by Carol, his loving and devoted wife, who shared a lifetime of cherished memories and unwavering love. Paul leaves behind Jennifer (Don Wasilevich), Emily (Brian) Gluecklich, and Margaret (Lee) Kim, his adoring daughters, who were blessed to call him dad and who will forever cherish his guidance, wisdom, and affection. Paul will live on through Donovan, Selene, Ronan, Logan, Sloane, Lucy, Jackson, Molly and Baby Kim, his beloved grandkids, who brought him immeasurable joy and whose laughter filled his heart with happiness.

Paul was preceded in death by Carolyn and Norbert and Bernice and Fred, who welcomed him with open arms into the eternal embrace of peace.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, at The Village UCC Church.

1150 Meadowcrest Rd.

La Grange Park, IL 60526

Church Doors Open at 10:30am – Service at 11am

Visitation with family after service with light refreshments.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Paul.

Paul was a man of extraordinary intellect, whose sharp mind, wit, and voracious thirst for knowledge illuminated every room he entered. He approached every aspect of life with an insatiable curiosity to learn and was able to provide us with his wisdom and logic. Whether engaged in deep discussions or sharing insights, his mind shone brightly, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Beyond his remarkable intellect, Paul was a beacon of humor, wit, and fun. His infectious dry sense of humor could light up even the darkest of days, bringing a smile to those around him. His witty remarks and playful banter created countless moments of happiness and camaraderie, leaving lasting memories that will forever be cherished. Whether it was his classic one-liners, his impeccable timing, or his uncanny ability to recall every line from The Simpsons or Family Guy and find relevance, one thing was for certain, life was never dull when he was around. In the immortal words of Monty Python, “Always look on the bright side of life.”

Above all else, Paul was a man of boundless love. His heart overflowed with compassion, touching the lives of all who crossed his path. He had an innate ability to make everyone feel valued, offering unwavering support and unconditional love to his family and friends. Paul leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and intelligence that will continue to inspire and uplift us. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

As we mourn the loss of Paul, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. May his memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Paul. You will be deeply missed, but your love and light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts forever.

With love and fond memories,

Carol, Jenny, Emily and Maggie

Neil O’Mahony

Neil O’Mahony; beloved husband of Katy nee Mulligan; loving father of Margaret, Eamon and Ian; cherished son of Frank and Sheila nee Teahan; dear brother of Noreen Therese, Eileen (Joe), Terry (Felicia) and the late Mary Pat; fond cousin and uncle of many; devoted coach to many; friend to all who knew him; Funeral Tuesday 9:15 AM from Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. (1/2 Block East of Austin) to St. Robert Bellarmine Church. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Evanston. Visitation Monday 3-8 PM. For info 773-777-3944 or www. GFFH.com

Rosemary Morgan

Rosemary Morgan; beloved wife of James; loving mother of Laura (Jeffery) Kain and the late Sharon (Michael) Schoener; cherished grandmother of Carolyn (Kraig) Deeren and Kevin (Alanna) Kain and great-grandmother of Genevieve, Kol and Gunnar; Family & friends will gather Friday from 10 AM until Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM at St. Pascal Church (Irving Park & Melvina). Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

Shannon Maza

Shannon (McDaniel) Maza, 52, of Chicago Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024 after a six-year battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Shannon moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend DePaul University where she met the love of her life Eric. After graduation, Shannon stayed in Chicago with Eric and went on to teach high school chemistry, conduct research at the renowned Fermilab in Chicago, work for the Chicago Park District, and was employed as an independent salesperson in various industries, most recently cabi.

Her most rewarding job, however, was being a wife and mother. Shannon and Eric welcomed their children, Jacob and Julia, in 2005 and 2008, respectively, and their dream of being parents was fulfilled.

Shannon was a vocal and determined advocate for her children and volunteered at their schools and in numerous organizations making sure they and all children had the resources they needed.

Shannon loved her family and friends fiercely. She loved to cook, bake, clean, be a beer-snob, host parties, decorate for the seasons, run, talk loudly, and cheer for her children. ALS took all of that away over time, but she made the best of a horrible situation and shared her struggles on social media with hundreds of people being both vulnerable and incredibly strong.

Shannon was preceded in death by her grandparents, Virgil and Agnes McDaniel and Ed and Florence Henrich, her father David McDaniel, and father-in-law Jerry Maza.

She leaves behind her devoted husband Eric, her son Jacob, daughter Julia, mother Mary Jo McDaniel, mother-in-law Jeanne Maza, sister Kristen Van Wert (David), sister-in-law Lori Frieri (Jeff), brothers-in-law Greg Maza (Sandy) and Chris Maza, ten nieces and nephews, and her loving aunts and uncles.

Upon her death, Shannon elected to participate in the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Blazeman Foundation for ALS and the UMB Brain and Tissue Bank research initiative.

Family & friends will gather, Saturday, March 9 for a memorial visitation 10:00 AM until time of mass 11:00 AM at St. Pascal Church (Irving Park & Melvina) 3935 N. Melvina Ave. Chicago, IL 60634

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Les Turner ALS Foundation in Shannon’s name. This foundation provided numerous resources for Shannon and all those who suffer from this devastating disease.

Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

 

Eileen Costello

Remembering Eileen M. Costello

Teacher. Traveler. Consummate family connector. Lifelong learner. Entrepreneur. Confidant. Adventurer. Loving sister and aunt. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe Eileen Mary Costello, who passed away on Feb. 6, 2024 – barely a month shy of her 84rd birthday (March 9) after a life lived fearlessly.

Eileen grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the daughter of loving parents Bernard and Dorothy Costello. She attended Visitation Catholic School and later received her undergraduate degree from Chicago Teachers College and her master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.

After college, Eileen joined the Chicago Public Schools. She served with distinction as a teacher and counselor at schools including Budlong Elementary, where she was known for her compassion. She was adored by her students and colleagues.

Upon retiring from the schools, Eileen reinvented herself as a real estate entrepreneur, purchasing an apartment building and rehabbing it. During this second career, she moved into the building she overhauled in Lincoln Square after residing in Lincoln Park Tower in Lincoln Park for many years. She also lived in the West Loop.

Throughout it all, Eileen was a renaissance woman who enjoyed the arts and anything related to her Irish heritage. She was well-traveled, enjoying frequent vacations with friends and to see family in Ireland, Minnesota and California, as well as on the East Coast. She loved playing the piano, and had a particular affinity for Irish classics like “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and “Danny Boy.”

In her later years, during her valiant battle with Alzheimer’s, Eileen resided at care homes in and around Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, including most recently Artis. Everywhere she went, she lit up her surroundings, befriending all of those around her.

She is survived by her three older brothers, Thomas “Tom” (Joan), Bernard “Blackie” (Ellen, may God rest her soul) and John “Jack” (Mary) Costello. Other survivors include her nieces Jennifer “Jenny” Costello McBride, Kathleen “Kathy” Costello Simpson, Maryellen Costello and Susan “Susie” Costello; and nephews Brian (Kristi), Barney “Jack” (Rachel), John and Thomas “Tom” (Rosalie) Costello. In addition, she is survived by a legion of adoring great-nieces and nephews.

Aunt Eileen will forever be in our hearts, minds and souls. As our ancestors say, “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine always warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Eileen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (https://alzfdn.org/).

Robert F. O’Connor

Robert F. O’Connor aka “Frank”, “Francie” or “Bob”, native of Dulague, Castleisland, Co. Kerry, Ireland; beloved husband of 58 years to the late Mary nee Joyce; loving father of Mary (Leroy Cummings), Maurice (Gina Farrell), James, Noreen and Sheila CPD; cherished grandfather of Mairead, Joseph, Michael, Liam and the late Mary Clare; dear brother of the late Maurice, James, John, Patrick and Margaret; fond uncle of many; a friend to all who knew him; A proud Kerryman and  member of the  Local #10 Carpenters,  #399 Stationary Engineers and Kerry Association. Funeral Tuesday 10 AM from Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. (1/2 block East of Austin) to St. Constance Church, Mass 10:30 AM. Interment All Saints Cemetery. Visitation Monday 3-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Patrick Fathers Missionaries. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

The funeral mass will be live streamed. See the video box below.

Sally Fleming

Sally Fleming, 78; beloved wife of Liam; loving mother of Tom, Lisa (Rich) Galka and Ann; cherished grandmother of Liam, Tommy, Liam, and Maggie; Visitation Saturday, February 10, from 10 AM until time of Mass, 11 AM, at St. Pascal Church (Irving Park & Melvina). Interment Private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com