Barbara S Hoey

Barbara Suzanne (Carlson) Hoey, beloved wife, mom and Nani passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the age of 74. She was born on September 8, 1949 to Eugene and Delores (Lutz) Carlson. Barb grew up in Durand, Illinois and she often shared how much she cherished those early years on her family’s farm. After her father’s passing when she was 4, her mother remarried 5 years later and relocated them to Rockford, Illinois. Aside from gaining 5 new siblings and a new father, Barb’s greatest concern at the time was that Rockford schools were not writing in cursive like she had been doing in Durand, and she quickly approached her new teacher to ask permission to write in cursive, even though her fellow classmates were not. Her teacher gave her the okay which made her very happy. Thus began Barb’s lifelong approach of always being the overachiever, the perfectionist and the one who knew just about everything about everything.

Barb was a proud graduate of Auburn High School, class of 1967 and began working for various accounting firms before beginning her 20+ year career in the accounting department at Greenlee Textron. She married Mark Hoey on February 24, 1973 in Rockford, Illinois and they began a simple but beautiful life on the westside of Rockford for over 40 years before relocating to Roscoe.

A die-hard Chicago Cubs fan who rarely missed a game, she enjoyed nothing more than being their biggest fan and also harshest critic. She would let “ her boys” know when she wasn’t happy with them and often talked to the TV, hoping they would somehow hear her. Growing up with 7 brothers she developed a competitive nature and became a lover of all sports, especially football and eventually March Madness often having the best bracket of anyone, leaving even the most seasoned fans puzzled at her knowledge. Often referred to as “Coach” or “Coach Hoey”, her daily commentating and coaching from her recliner will be deeply missed.

Barb has been a devoted member of Aldersgate United Methodist church for over 40 years and served proudly and faithfully over the years in many roles and was most proud of her time as Sunday School superintendent.

To know Barb, was to love her. She was so very loving, quick witted, smart, funny and fiercely protective and devoted to every single member of her large family. Through the last 12+ years of her illness, it wasn’t often that you were not met with her bright smile, beautiful personality and genuine heart. She always chose to let her light shine instead of letting on how truly sick she was, never wanting any sympathy or wanting anyone to worry. She was truly one of a kind with a relentless determination to live that allowed her family to be blessed by her presence and love.

Barb’s earthly absence in the day to day life of her family will leave a hole in their hearts that will be impossible to ever fill. However knowing that the daily pain and suffering she had silently and courageously endured for years has ended will eventually provide to them a peace she would want them to have.

Survived by her husband of 51 years, Mark; daughter Melissa Hoey as well as her best friend and owner of her entire heart, grandson Donovin Christopher Sims.

Also survived by brothers, Terry Meyer, Larry Meyer, Steve (Margaret) Carlson and Greg (Jennifer) Meyer and brother-in-law, Ed (Angie) Stone. Sisters Cheryl Schock, Diane Apton and sister-in-laws Lana Hoey, Rebecca Meyer, Karen Meyer and Corin Carlson as well as her sisters by bond, Sally Campbell and Dee (Joe) Gonzales.

She is also survived by her loving uncle, Roger Lutz, aunt Peggy Watkins and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Preceded in death by son Christopher Stephen Hoey parents Eugene Carlson and David and Delores Meyer. Sister, Debra Stone and sister-in-laws Juanita Hoey and Diane Meyer. Brothers, Russell Meyer, David “Butch” Meyer, Doug Carlson and brother-in-law, Carl J. Hoey as well as her favorite granddog, Wrigley Grace.

The family would like to thank Swedish American Health System for the multiple levels of excellent care given to Barb over the years as well as Dr. Charlene Murdakes, Dr. Krishna Sankaran, Dr. Heath Hoffman, Dr. Amrutha Mary George, Dr. Kendall Boone and the best doctor/nurse practitioner team that not only graced Barb with their excellent medical care but became two of Barb’s favorite people in the world, Dr. Michael J. Robertson and Kathy Capriola, N.P., thank you for your patience, care and devotion you provided to her. We truly are forever indebted to you and we will forever hold you close to our hearts.

To the best dialysis team in the entire U.S., Davita - Machesney Park. Her family away from home. Again, some of her most favorite people in the world; Monica, Jenny, Karly, Katelyn, Mike, Sharon, Stephanie; and her dearest Tyler, you are a priceless gem who will be watched over and loved from above from your favorite sports fan. Thank you all for loving her like you did, she loved you all more than words could ever relay and she felt so honored and fortunate to be cared for by you all.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4055 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, Illinois 61103 at 10:00am with service to follow at 11.