Barbara A. Mahoney

Barbara “Barb” Mahoney passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a brief but courageous battle with gastroesophageal cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Barb was born on October 1, 1947, in Denver, Colorado, to Gene and Margaret Williams. She was raised on a ranch in Evergreen, Colorado, where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and horses. A true daddy’s girl, she spent countless hours riding her beloved horse, Frosty, through the mountains and taking overnight trail rides with her father and the Saddle Club.

As an only child, some of Barb’s happiest memories were the summers her cousins, Joyce and Debbie, traveled from Kansas to stay at the ranch. The adventures were endless, including Barb teaching them to drive a stick shift in her pink Jeep with its pink-and-white striped top.

After graduating from high school, Barb attended Colorado State University, earning a degree in Occupational Therapy with a minor in woodshop. It was there that she met the love of her life, Mike Mahoney. Married for 56 years, Mike and Barb embodied a partnership built on love, respect, and devotion. Even after all those years, they still held hands and remained one another’s favorite person, setting a remarkable example for their family.

After college, Barb and Mike moved to Oregon, where Barb began her career at the University of Oregon Medical School. She quickly distinguished herself through her innovative work and leadership, eventually rising to the position of department director.

While living in Oregon, they welcomed their first daughter, Kelly. The family later settled in Monroe, Washington, where they lived for 28 years and welcomed Mickey, Duffy, and Molly.

Although Barb stepped away from her professional career for a time to raise her children, she never stopped serving others. She led local soccer and baseball organizations, helped raise funds and build community ball fields, spearheaded successful school levy and bond campaigns, and founded Monroe High School’s booster club, “The Cat Pack” . If anything needed to get done, Barb was who they called.

Barb eventually returned to occupational therapy, becoming highly respected throughout the rehabilitation community for her expertise in geriatric psychiatry and dementia care. She worked in numerous facilities, lectured through the University of Washington School of Medicine, and touched countless lives through her compassion and knowledge.

In 2001, Mike and Barb moved to Moscow, Idaho, where Barb became the director of Idaho’s first Adult Day Health Program. Through her leadership and care, she helped hundreds of elderly individuals and families throughout the Palouse.

Above all else, Barb treasured her family. Her cousins felt more like siblings, and her aunts and uncles were like second parents. But nothing brought her more joy than being a grandmother.

For nine consecutive years, she did not miss a single Moscow middle school or high school football game-home or away. Whether it was football, T-ball, microsoccer, basketball, baseball, travel ball, school ball, gymnastics, middle school or college sports, Barb and Mike were always the first to arrive and the last to leave. Her favorite moments were the post -game hugs.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She delighted in attending their games, performances, and activities, celebrating every accomplishment big and small. Nothing made her happier than being “Grandma.”

Barb also loved to travel and create memories with those she loved. Some of her happiest moments were spent exploring new places with her family, especially her grandchildren. Disney cruises especially held a special place in her heart. Whether cheering on her grandchildren at home or making memories with them at sea, Barb treasured every moment spent together.

To know Barb was to know her laugh. It was frequent, unmistakable, and contagious. She found joy in every circumstance and approached life with relentless optimism and a can-do spirit. Even after receiving her cancer diagnosis, she faced each challenge with grace, courage, and positivity.

She was also incredibly tough. Her children often joked that they could not remember their mom ever complaining, not even of a headache.

The world is brighter because Barb was in it. Her laughter, generosity, kindness, and willingness to give of herself made a lasting difference in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. While her family will miss her deeply, they take comfort in knowing that her love, example, and spirit will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Margaret Williams, and her beloved son-in-law, Pete Isakson.

Barb is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Mike Mahoney; her children, Kelly Isakson and grandchildren Cody, Connor, and Kendall; Mickey and Mary Mahoney and grandchildren Bailey, Piper, and Millie; Duffy and Leah Mahoney and grandson Indiana; and Molly Mahoney. She is also survived by numerous cousins, extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Mahoney residence, 1051 Windsong Lane, Moscow, Idaho.