Obituaries

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; 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 (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

 

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 84^rd 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 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, 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

Robert I. Sweeney, 92; beloved husband of Charlotte nee Lentz; loving father of Mark (Theresa), Julie (Greg) Grana, Lisa, Paul (Eileen), Kathie (Doug) Mulvey, Nancy, Joe (Becky), Don (Brittney) and Ed (Courtney); cherished grandfather of Hannah, Molly, Patrick, Gregory (Meghan), MaryGrace, AJ, Aubrey, Emma, Olivia, Charlotte, Liam, Adam, Ava, Zac, Izzie, Mason, Max, Maelyn and Robbie; US Army Veteran and retired Chicago Police Officer of 35 years. Friends and Family will meet Saturday for Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pascal Church (Irving Park Rd and Melvina) at 10:30 AM. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation Friday 4-8 PM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. (1/2 Block East of Austin). In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, 1407 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607. For info 773-777-3944 or www.gffh.com

Thomas Naughton, native of Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo, Ireland; beloved husband of the late Annie nee Lydon; loving father of Patricia (Stephen) McDonagh, Thomas and the late John; cherished grandfather of Abigail Naughton and John, Clare, Stevie and the late Connor McDonagh; dear brother of Kathleen (the late James) Sheehy, Bridget (the late Bill) Pollard, Mary (the late Paul) Haugh, Annie (Peter) Quinn, Nora, Margaret (the late Thomas) Folan, Florence (Patrick) Murphy and the late Michael (Nancy), Patrick (Donna), and Austin; cherished uncle and great-uncle of far too many to count; friend to all who knew him; 50+ years a member of Local #399; Funeral Monday 9 AM from Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. (1/2 Block East of Austin) to St. Mary of the Woods Church. Mass 10 AM. Interment All Saints Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 3-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ascension Alexian Brothers – Hospice Residence, 901 Martha St, Elk Grove Village, in memory of Thomas Naughton. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

Thomas Heneghan, 81, native of Shangorth, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo, Ireland; beloved husband of Nora nee Collins; loving father of Thomas (Suzan), James (Megan), and Shawn (Margaret);  adoring Papa of Jack, Max, Will, Lily, Maeve, Emmett, Colette, Edward, Brendan and Nora; fond brother of Maureen (the late Martin) Staunton, James (Mary Ann), Nancy (Peter) Maguire and the late Bridie (the late Jackie) Godley, and Michael; fond uncle of many; Visitation Monday 3-8 PM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd. Family & friends will gather for Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 10 AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 4666 N Austin Ave. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St Patrick Fathers. For info 773-777-3944 or www.GFFH.com

What’s not to love about a man who loved his family — almost as much as he loved the New York Yankees or the Chicago Cubs, cold Miller Lites, Fishing, Golf, the Beach, and being a Member of Local 130 Plumbers Union?

Joseph Alan Thiel, 49, of Chicago, Illinois, died on December 26, 2023.
Joe was born in Chicago in 1974. Joe attended St. John’s Lutheran Grade School, Graduating from Notre Dame College Preparatory High School, Joe was an honored Journeyman Union Plumber Local 130 for 23 years.
Joe is survived by his children: Abigail Rose and Jake Sterling Thiel. Sister: Jennifer (Greg) James. Nephew: Matthew Jahnke. Niece: Cristina James. Ex-Wife: Michelle Louis-Thiel. Girlfriend: Sara Mancuso. 
Joe was preceded in death by Parents: Alan Thiel and Edwardine Bigbear.
A Funeral Mass will be Thursday, January 25, 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, 6020 W Ardmore Ave, Chicago, IL 60646.
Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Proceeding Joe’s service come share your memories at Emerald Isle, 6686 N Northwest HWY, Chicago, IL 60631.
(Emerald Isle will be open 01/25/2024 at 1:00 PM for Joe’s Celebration of Life)