Mahoney, Geraldine 'Jerry' Ann Richelieu

Geraldine “Jerry” Ann Richelieu Mahoney, 84, resident of Tempe, Ariz., died Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, at Desert Banner Hospital in Mesa, Ariz.

Born Aug. 6, 1929, in Omaha, Neb., to Lillian and Howard Richelieu, Jerry was the eldest of three children. A graduate from Creighton University, she was one of only few women accepted into the business college. She married Richard Mahoney in 1953 in Omaha. They had seven children and lived in many Iowa towns before settling in Des Moines for 15 years. Widowed in 1977, Jerry was a pillar of strength as a single parent while working as an insurance examiner for several states. She was the first woman chairwoman of the State of Iowa Insurance Examiners. In 1988, Jerry moved to Arizona and later retired at the age of 71.

She mastered being a ‘snowbird' and a world traveler. Jerry touched many lives with her energy, strength, love of life and all people, and unwavering faith. Family time was so special and rarely missed a party.

Mrs. Mahoney was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Lillian and Howard Richelieu; her daughter, Kathleen Mahoney; her son-in-law, Richard Kauzlarich; and her brother, Bill Richelieu.

She is survived by her children, Maureen Kauzlarich of Carlisle, Bill (Jennifer) Mahoney of Chandler, Ariz., Colleen (Steve) Boatwright of Des Moines, Michael Mahoney of Des Moines, Patricia (Neil) Erusha of Solon and Sharon (Wendell) Mukes of Morrow, Ohio; her sister, Marilyn Higgins of Omaha; and 12 grandchildren.

A memorial service was held 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at Friendship Village in Tempe, Ariz. Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct 5, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs. Recitation of the rosary will be at 10 a.m. followed by visitation with the family until service time. Inurnment: St. Joseph Cemetery, with a lunch following at the Walnut Hill Reception Center, 1350 E. Pierce St.

We will always carry your memory in our hearts. Special thanks to the staff and friends at Friendship Village in Tempe, Ariz., for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to EWTN (www.ewtn.com) and the American Cancer Society.

Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home

545 Willow Ave.

Council Bluffs, IA 51503

(712) 322-7779

Published Sept. 26, 2013 in The Gazette