Joan C McGahey

GALESBURG ~ Joan C. "Joni" McGahey, 72, of 1654 Indiana Drive, passed away at 3:36 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2008 at Trinity West Hospital in Rock Island. Born June 9, 1935 in Chicago to Clyde Russell and Desdemona D. (Waddell) Landon, she married Fred Dean McGahey on June 26, 1957 in Havana. He survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Brenda K. Lehr of Knoxville and Christine L. "Chrissy" McGahey of Galesburg; one son, Russell D. (Debbie) McGahey of Henderson; two grandchildren, Jacob D. McGahey and Katey M. Wagner, both of Galesburg; three step-grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Dolan of Evanston and Joyce (Dave) Goff of Galesburg; two brother-in-law, Jay McGahey and John McGahey, both of Galesburg and six sister-in-law, Shirley Edwards, Birdie (Bill) Lietsch, Doris (Cook) Ray, Patsy Mitchell, Bette (Butch) Smith and Mary (Bill) Galloway, all of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law; four sister-in-law and two brother-in-law. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1953 and attended Brown's Business College. She worked for Chicago Motor Club for ten years prior to starting a family. She then was a devoted homemaker. Joni was a member of First Baptist Church in Galesburg. She was a member of the National Granite Ware Society. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She spent her life caring for her family. She also had been a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, along with being a home room mother for her children. She was known for opening her heart and home to all her neighbors and children. She loved collecting antiques, going to auctions and flea markets and found joy in acquiring Beanie Babies. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no service or visitation. Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Carl Sandburg College Foundation to the Joan McGahey Memorial Nursing Scholarship, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd., Galesburg, IL 61401.