Lois Ann Maloney

Mrs. Lois Ann Maloney (nee Cobb), 93, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024, surrounded by her five children. She was born April 10, 1930, in Jacksonville to Helen and Charles Cobb, the second of five children. She attended Our Saviors Elementary School then Routt High School where she met her future husband of 71 years, Bill Maloney. After graduation, she attended The College of St. Francis in Joliet where she earned Summa Cum Laude status for her strong academic performance. She and Bill married on February 2, 1952, and soon after he shipped out overseas to serve in the Korean War. During his absence, she taught at the Illinois School for the Blind in Jacksonville. Upon his return, they moved to Avon in 1956 where Lois began teaching in the Avon School District, primarily junior high math and reading. She continued teaching for 37 years until she retired in 1993. She was a dedicated teacher and many former students have thanked her for her support and inspiration. She attended St. Augustine Catholic Church for 68 years and actively participated in various church activities and committees. She served on the Avon Nursing Home and Saunders Library boards, was elected to Avon’s Town Council and headed a local Girl Scouts troop. She also provided tutoring to students at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg and later volunteered at the St. Mary’s Hospital gift shop. Lois had many and varied interests. She loved learning and was a voracious reader, particularly of history. She traveled widely and frequently, always up for new experiences. She had a gift for putting people at ease and making them feel welcome and understood. Lois also enjoyed socializing with her friends, playing cards, and collecting antiques with Bill. Most important to Lois, however, was her family. She is survived by her five children: Therese Van Voorn (Tom) of Columbia, MO; Ceci Maloney of Springfield; Eric Maloney (Cilia) of Erie; Vince Maloney (Kim) of Frankfort; and Greg Maloney (Linda) of Chelan, WA. Her ten grandchildren include Elizabeth Carter (Matt); Lindsay Baker; Joshua Maloney (Alex); Shannon Kamperschroer (Ben); Abbey Maloney; Zachary Maloney; Riley Maloney; Sean J. Maloney; Sean C. Maloney; and Caitlin Maloney (Devin). Her six great grandchildren are Rory Maloney; Kekoa Kuehl; Quinn Maloney; Olivia Carter; Hadley Carter; and Kailini Kuehl. Additionally, she is survived by her sister Dorothy Keller, her brother Tony Cobb, and a large number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, two sisters, and brother-in-law. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Visitation services will be held on Friday, February 2, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the St. Augustine Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 3, at 10 a.m., also at the St. Augustine Catholic Church. A private burial service will follow at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions will be donated to the Saunders Public Library and the Avon First Responders. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.