Barbara B. Mahoney
Barbara Brookman Mahoney graduated to heaven on Oct. 13,
2020, following a long and blessed life of 95 years.
Barbara was born March 23,
1925, to Dr. L.J. and Flo Brookman in Vermillion, S.D.
Barbara grew up in a family filled with love, which included her sister, Shirley. She graduated from high school and University of South Dakota, both in Vermillion. She met the love of her life, Loren Mahoney, whose birthday was one day before Barbara’s. They married on June 17, 1949.
She is predeceased by Loren; her parents; and sister, Shirley.
She is survived by six sons, Mark ( Susan), of West Des Moines, Iowa, Thomas, of Cleburne, Texas, Brook (Kelly), of Greenwood Village, Colo., Philip (Amy), of Southlake, Texas, Mike, of Fayetteville, Ark., and Andy ( Barbi), of Deephaven, Minn.; 14 grandchildren, Katie Mahoney, of Denver, Colo., Patrick (Sabina) Mahoney, of Van Meter, Iowa, Taylor Mahoney, of Dallas, Texas, Michael (YooJin) Smoldt, of Garland, Texas, Andrew (Jordan) Mahoney, of Denver, Colo., Spencer (Maude) Mahoney, of Denver, Colo., Emily (Tom) Mahoney, of San Jose, Calif., Court Mahoney, of Richmond,Va., Morgan Mahoney, of Denver, Colo., Maxwell Mahoney, of Fayetteville, Ark., Brian Mahoney, Charlie Mahoney, Jack Mahoney and Molly Mahoney, of Deephaven, Minn.; and seven great-grandchildren, Max Mahoney, Layla Smoldt, Ariel Smoldt, Ruthie Smoldt, Charley Mahoney, Reese Mahoney and Palmer Mahoney.
Barbara and Loren lived in Sioux City with their family of six sons for 31 years. Barbara was full of energy and loved her boys. She was involved in Scouts, sports, school library, PEO, First United Methodist Church and 50 years of tennis. The family enjoyed trips to the vacation home in northern Iowa, Okoboji. Barbara loved crafts and collected pine cones, rocks, weeds, shells, and greeting cards that created innumerable keepsakes for those she loved.
In 1980, Loren and Barbara moved to Hot Springs, Ark., and “adopted” that town, throwing themselves into activities to benefit the Boys Club, Garvan Woodland Gardens and many other causes. They enjoyed happy days with family and friends in their home. Barbara lived an active life. She got up on water skis at age 77 and zip lined across a river at age 88. She traveled extensively with Loren, family and friends. She loved life and everyone around her. Barbara had a special peanut brittle recipe of which she made copiously and gave generously. She loved life and everyone around her.
An inurnment gathering for the family will be held at a future date in Vermillion, S.D.
The family wishes to express gratitude for the care given our mother by friends, Sheila Greathouse, Ann Carrithers and Kindred Care Hospice Inc.
Gifts in Barbara’s memory may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Ave., 71901; or Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Road, 71913.