Barbara J. Cassidy, age 83, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 12th at St. Columba Church with Reverend Ray Guthrie celebrating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Columba Church. Gladfelter Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cassidy family.
Barb was born October 9, 1931 at Judson, Indiana, a daughter of James and Ruth (Laugher) O’Laughlin. She married John “Jack” Cassidy on June 6, 1953 at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Joliet, Illinois. Barb is survived by Jack, her loving husband of sixty years; her children, Tom (Cindy) Cassidy of Palatine, Connie O’Brien of Bloomington and Mike Cassidy of Naperville; and a daughter-in-law, Lynn Cassidy of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. She also leaves a sister, Patricia (Roy) Marzano of Rolling Meadows; her sister-in-law, Karyn O’Laughlin of San Diego, California; and her grandchildren, Kelsey, Kara, Conor, Kevin, Mike, Joe, Jack and Cole Cassidy and Danny and Cassidy O’Brien. Barb was preceded in death by two sons, John and Kevin Cassidy, and a brother, Jim O’Laughlin.
Barb was a member of St. Columba Church in Ottawa. Barb was known to be very well read having graduated in 1952 from Lake Forest College, where she and Jack first met. She was quite a lady. Barb was always one to focus on the needs of others and not her own. She loved and was dearly loved by all who knew her. Family was of utmost importance to her. Treasured time was spent enjoying time with Jack, the children and particularly her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Coach Cassidy ALS Charity Classic or to the American Cancer Society.
A private memorial service was held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.
Barb is laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.