Ada Evelyn Mahoney

Ada Evelyn Mahoney, 87 of Rockford went to her heavenly reward at 4:30 p.m. on March 17, 2008 surrounded in love by her husband George Fisher Mahoney of 63 years. Born March 4, 1921 in Minden, LA the daughter of William Frederick and Ada (Reed) Hemler. (Formerly of Ada OK) She graduated from Louisiana Polytech University in Ruston, LA and then completed her internship in dietetics at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH. She then served at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Dayton, OH where she met her husband George who was stationed with the Air Force at Wright Patterson Field. They were married June 14, 1945 in Ada, OK. Ada was a registered dietician for over 60 years. She taught student nurses at Alexian Brothers Hospital in Chicago and later personally set up the dietary department of the newly established Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elk Grove Village. She served as a clinical dietician at Lutheran General Hospital for 20 years until her retirement. She also earned a Masters Degree in Nutrition and had research articles published in the American Dietetics Journal. Ada was a pioneer resident of Rolling Meadows and later Arlington Heights. Ada helped establish St. Collette Church and later was a member of St. James Church. Ada spent 20 years in south Florida before returning to Illinois. During her time in Florida she volunteered as a nutritional counselor for 9 years for Respect Life. Ada was a great lover of dancing and an avid sports fan, especially the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Survivors include her husband George, daughters Mary (Tom) Hoyer and Maureen (William ) Cook. Grandchildren Kathryn (Matthew) Callahan, Jennifer (Alan) Minarik, William (Melanie) Cook, Molly Cook (James Bennett), Megan Cook, Elizabeth Cook and great-grandchildren William Cook and Amber Bennett. She is predeceased by her parents and son Kevin Michael Mahoney. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday March 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 6:15 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. until time of Mass on Tuesday in the church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Holy Family Scholarship Fund. To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com