Barbara J. McDermott

Barbara J. McDermott, 91, of Springfield, died at 5:09 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2016 at St. Joseph's Home. Barb was born March 16, 1925 in Springfield, the daughter of Harry and Sadie Carlson Keck. She witnessed God's love through 53 years of marriage to her high school sweetheart, Dr. Tom, until his passing on July 31, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Genevieve Tavine and Tillie O'Brien. Barb was a graduate of Ursuline Academy. Her Catholic faith, along with her devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary, served as the foundation for how she conducted her life. She was a founding and active member of Christ the King Church and Springfield Right to Life and enjoyed many hours with her girlfriends through her years with the St. Joseph's Home Coterie. "Beautiful Barb" always welcomed others with a smile. She was witty, quick and always kind. Barb was loved so much and will be dearly missed by her family and those she touched. She is survived by her seven children, Rev. H. Thomas McDermott of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mary Kay (husband, Steve) Bochenek of Springfield, Peg McDermott of Springfield, Sally (husband, Allan) Hamilton of Springfield, Mary Anne (husband, Leo) Clark of Burnsville, MN, Dr. Jim (wife, Annette) McDermott of Springfield, and Joe (wife, Kim) McDermott of Burr Ridge; eighteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will conclude with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, with Rev. H. Thomas McDermott celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Joseph's Home, 3306 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703 or Holy Cross Mission Center, PO Box 543, Notre Dame, IN 46556 for the works of Fr. McDermott in Bangladesh.