Barbara Jean McKean
February 3, 1925 ~ October 2, 2015
Barbara Jean McKean, 90, of Bradford, died at 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 at home. Born February 3, 1925 to Forrest Clifton and Marguerite Marie (Altine) McDowell, she married Daniel Benedict McKean in Galva, IL at St. John''s Catholic Church on June 25, 1949. Surviving are three daughters, Elizabeth (John) Jones of Ashland, IL, Mary (Jeff) Ewing of Bradford, IL, Martha (Philip) Galow of Oswego, IL; three sons, Daniel J. (Kathy) McKean of Fenton, MO, David B. (Marcella) McKean of Peoria, IL, Peter C. (Mary) McKean of Bradford, IL; twenty-seven grandchildren; forty-six great-grandchildren; a sister, Martha Bantz of Peoria, IL. Preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She graduated from Galva High School in 1942 and earned her teaching degree in English from Western Illinois University in Macomb and taught at Wyoming High School until her marriage, later teaching at Bradford Grade School as her children grew up. Barbara loved reading, quilting, and bridge but the priority in her life was caring for Dan, her children and grandchildren as a cook, homemaker, and gardener. Her lilies, iris, and roses graced her home. She converted to the Catholic Faith in college and was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist parish in Bradford. Her relationship with Jesus Christ animated her life. As Parkinson''s disease robbed her of her independence, she and Dan were devotedly cared for by their dearest friend, Annetta Ross Webber to whom the entire family is deeply grateful. Annetta was assisted by many able and loving caregivers including Frances Hamilton, Bonnie Carrier, Melissa Hamilton, and Wanda Greenway. May God repay their kindness and affection. Mass will be Thursday, October 8, 2015 in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bradford at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. John Thieryoung officiating. Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Bradford. Visitation on Wednesday will begin with the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. and continue until 6:00 p.m. at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Bradford. Memorials may be directed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Building Fund or Bradford Rescue Squad.
May God Almighty of Tender Mercies Comfort the McKean Family (2 Cor.1:3,4).
When the last Enemy strikes grief maybe great And make The Heart yearn for Comfort, God Almighty of Tender Mercies gives HOPE And PROMISE, All those In The Memorial tombs will hear His voice And COME OUT, He will wipe OUT every tear from their eyes And Death Will be NO MORE, God Almighty HOPE And PROMISE IS SOON TO BE ATTAIN.
May these Thoughts be of some Comfort.