Barbara Edith Dempsey

Barbara Edith Dempsey (née Katcher) passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 16, 2021 in Peoria, IL.

Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1936 to John and Sophie Katcher (née Ziebert), Barbara married her true love (and fellow softball player) Cpl. William E. Dempsey, U.S.M.C., in 1956. Barbara and Bill moved to Plainview, Long Island and started the family that would become Barbara’s greatest legacy. Through her daughter Paula, now of Peoria, IL, Barbara had five grandchildren who became her world: Bryan Hernández (and wife Erin Doughty) of Arlington Heights, IL; Lynda Kasky Hernández (and husband Seth Kasky) of Seattle, WA; Lauryn Hernández of Littleton, CO; Kelly Diana- Hernández (and husband Kenneth Diana, Jr.) of Dunlap, IL; and Brandyn Hernández of Madison, WI.

After she retired from New York’s Apple Bank, Barbara and Bill moved to Boynton Beach, FL where they spent their days playing cards and bingo and exploring restaurants with friends. No matter how much fun she had, however, nothing was as joyous for Barbara as seeing her grandchildren. Every year, Barbara insisted that a couple of her grandkids stay with her for a few days, where they would be showered with love, affection, and the countless desserts and goodies Barbara kept on hand at all times to satisfy her notorious sweet tooth! Sure as the sun setting in the west, Barbara could always be counted on to have a crumb cake or a package of cookies available at all times. None of her grandchildren will ever forget the taste of a chilled Vienna finger cookie fresh from Barbara’s fridge.

Even as Barbara got older, she never lost a step when it came to her family, traveling with them to Walt Disney World every year. Well into her 60’s, Barbara could still be convinced to ride Space Mountain, stay up late, or indulge in a candied apple on Main St., USA. These memories of Barbara, or “Gaga” as she was known, will live on with her grandkids forever.

After Bill passed away in 2005, Barbara moved to Peoria, IL where she began a new chapter of her life as a great-grandmother to Joseph and Lydia. Nothing brought Barbara more joy than seeing her great-grandbabies (and being able to show them off, of course)!

Barbara will forever be remembered as a sweet and caring woman, but also as one who was not without a ferociously funny sarcastic side. She never shied away from a quip or a wisecrack which never failed to both surprise and delight. It is her humor and with that may be missed the most.

Barbara joins her beloved Bill in Heaven along with her mother Sophie, father John, sister Joannie, and son-in-law José. Surviving Barbara are her daughter Paula, her five grandchildren, two (soon to be more) great-grandchildren, and sister Evelyn Schutsky.

May we always remember Barbara as the wonderful woman she was, who always gave more love than she took, who always said “yes” to some cake and ice cream, and who always, always preferred a “sunny day.”