Obituary of Barbara J. Cahill

Barbara Joan Cahill

Age 81, of Plainfield, IL, formerly of Posen, IL, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away Monday, March 24, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 4, 1944 to the late Thelva and James Downey.

Barbara is survived by her loving children, William (Pamela) Cahill, Christine (Mark) Dunbar, Karen (Michael) Donovan, Colleen (Mark) Buzenski, and Kathleen (Jonathan) Cline; cherished grandchildren, Blair, Kyle, Ryan, Connor, Kayla, Brianna, Jenna, Riley, Christopher, Matthew, Brian, Brandon, Alyssa, Anthony, Alayna, Ashlynn, and Austin; adoring great grandchildren, Joshua and Ella; sisters, Julia and Joyce; brother, Daniel; sisters in-laws, Mary Ann Cahill and Catherine (the late Jack) Warren; brother in-law, James (Denise) Cahill.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, William John Cahill; her parents; sisters, Kathleen, Jacqueline, Mary Ellen, Cecilia, and Laura; and brothers, James, William, Joseph, and John Robert.

She graduated from Oak Lawn High School.  After many years of raising five children and managing a household, she began working at SMA as an aide, caring for children with disabilities.  She later transitioned into the insurance industry, where she worked until she retired from Hallmark Services in Aurora, IL.  She was a member of many groups over the years, including:  the Red Rovers, Active Adult Senior Group of Plainfield, and volunteering for Catholic Charities. 

Barbara loved spending time with her family and friends, from memorable vacations to enjoying many family get togethers filled with love and laughter.  She enjoyed crocheting and sewing, donating many of the items to babies in need, both locally and globally.  She also enjoyed her bowling league, taking walks, riding her bike, playing cards, reading and sharing her faith.  Barbara will be remembered for her compassionate heart and the gentle kindness she showed to everyone she met.

Visitation for Barbara Cahill will be Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd) Joliet. Funeral services will take place Monday, March 31, 2025, 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Mary Immaculate Parish, 15629 Division St., Plainfield, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery, Plainfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Waterleaf Women's Center, 3055 E. New York St., Aurora, IL 60504. 

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com