Jean Mahoney

Jean Mae Mahoney, 82, passed away on April 19, 2018, surrounded by her family, in her home of almost 45 years. She was born June 26, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charlotte Mae and Frank Barker. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Eugene Mahoney, and their ten children: Eugene (Sharon) Mahoney, Fran (Ed) Gleason, Laurie (Tony) Van Camp, Donna (Steve) Baker, Diane Mahoney, Mark (Fran) Mahoney, Karen Mahoney, Emmett (Cecilia) Mahoney, Kristen Bushlack, and Danny (Amber) Mahoney. She is survived by 22 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, and sisters and brothers-in-law, Sarah and David Sheehan, and Dorothy and Johnny Watson. Jean’s life was full of love. She was passionate about peanut butter, chocolate ice cream, politics and red wine, but the real love of her life was Gene Mahoney. She and Gene met when she was 17, a senior at Mercy High School, and he was 19, and an apprentice electrician. After dating for three years, they were married on August 27, 1955 at St. Rita’s in Chicago. The Mahoneys started their life together in apartments on the South Side of Chicago, where their three oldest children were born. The first house they bought was on 77th Street in Chicago. Shortly after the twins were born, the family moved to Hamilton Street, becoming parishioners of Christ the King, and Gene and Jean completed their family. When asked what made their marriage work, Jean’s response was, very simply, “He makes me happy.” That and the fact that neither one wanted all 10 kids should they get divorced. A memory often shared by her children is the time Jean went to the airport to pick up her husband while dressed in a nun’s habit and, right at the terminal gate, laid a big kiss on him as shocked travelers looked on. In 1973, Gene and Jean moved their family to Denver to start yet another chapter in their lives. Shortly after arriving in Denver, Jean went back to school to earn her degree, and with her children in school, went to work for Denver Public Schools. She retired in 2000 at the age of 65, having worked for DPS for 24 years. She made lifetime friends at DPS, and after retirement looked forward to seeing them at their monthly Breakfast Club. Jean’s favorite role in life -- after being Gene’s wife -- was that of mother. In November 1973, The Denver Post wrote a story about Jean’s return to school while raising 10 children. In that article, she is quoted as saying: “I love being a mother'If I had my choice, I’d be a mother until the youngest child was 20 '.” And she was the best mom ever. She was a cheerleader, friend, confidante, and advisor. She was a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, and the person with whom you couldn’t wait to share your joy. She was fiercely protective of her family, and the glue that holds the family together. But as much as she loved her kids, they could push her limits, especially when she had both little ones and teens. She relished her morning commute on the bus because it was quieter than her home. She even ran away once - but not very far, and only for a few hours (to visit her mother). That put those kids in their place. Jean had a way of making everyone feel at home and part of the family. There are many out there who consider themselves to be “the 11th child,” having known they were always welcome in her home. Her second favorite role was that of grandmother, and she was one of the best baby holders ever. She was concerned about living up to the reputation of her own mother, but needn’t have worried. She was loved and adored by Eddie (Hayley) Gleason, Christopher Mahoney, Michael (Sarah) Gleason, Zach (Itsy) Van Camp, Thomas Gleason, Meghan (Scott) Pomeroy, Kate (Zach) Jones, Sarah Mahoney, Kyle Van Camp, Steven Baker, Rachel Mahoney, Samantha Bushlack, Patrick Mahoney, Nicholas Bushlack, Brandon Bushlack, Ryan Mahoney, Grant Bushlack, and Claire, Paige, and Jack Mahoney, and Gregory and Danielle Crapanzano. Jean enjoyed reading, and passed that love along to her children. One of her favorite places was the library. Her husband joked that the library police were looking for her because of all her late fees, which is why Jean always looked forward to Amnesty Day. She also loved Target, and could get lost in its aisles for hours. You could count on seeing Gene and Jean at the Bagel Deli every Sunday morning after church, where one or more of their children would meet them. Jean considered window shopping at the Denver Dumb Friends League a great way to spend an afternoon, and had great affection for her dogs (Moon, Murphy, McGregor, and Isabelle). She made her own spaghetti sauce, which would simmer for hours and fill the house with a wonderful aroma. Her grandkids loved her beef and macaroni. She was a food pusher, plain and simple. Just another way to show her love. But she will always be known for her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It is estimated that she made over 30,000 PB&Js in her lifetime. “I’m her favorite” is a phrase often repeated, and truly believed, by all of her children, and even her grandchildren. She made each of her children feel special - she was that kind of mother. She is loved, and will be greatly missed. Jean asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to your favorite charity, Encompass Hospice, or Dumb Friends League. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 24, 2018, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Horan &McConaty,11150 E. Dartmouth, Denver. An online guest register is available at www.horancares.com. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Church of the Risen Christ, 3060 S. Monaco Pkwy., Denver. Please give your condolences to the Mahoney family.