Kathleen E. (Vuckis) Barrett

Funeral services for Kathleen E. Barrett, 72, of Moline, will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 20th at Christ the King Catholic Church, Moline.  Entombment will be at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, East Moline following the funeral.  Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 19th at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, where a rosary will be recited starting at 2:00 p.m.

Mrs. Barrett died Thursday, March 9, 2023, at her home in Moline surrounded by her loving husband of 48 years and two sons.  Memorials may be made to Jordan Catholic School, Rock Island, IL or Christ the King Church, Moline, IL.

Kathleen was born April 22, 1950, in Moline, daughter of Mary Louise Laisnez Vuckis and George Vuckis.  Kathleen graduated from United Township High School in 1968.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University in 1972.  She received a master’s degree in Education from St. Xavier University in Chicago, IL in 2009.  Kathleen married William J. Barrett on July 27, 1974, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Moline. 

Kathleen began her career as a teacher at St. Pius Catholic School in Rock Island, IL in 1972.  When Kathleen’s mom became sick with cancer, she left her teaching job at Jordan Catholic School to take care of her mother.  She continued to prioritize family over career and stayed home to care for her two children until they were old enough to be on their own.  During that time, she spent at home with her two children, she worked at JC Penney and various substitute teaching and tutoring positions.  In 1993, Kathleen returned to Jordan Catholic School to resume her teaching career with junior high school and sixth grade students.  She guided her students to achieve more than they thought they could and always put in extra time required to help them achieve their goals.  Kathleen taught religious education and served on the church council at St. Mary’s Church in East Moline.  More recently, Kathleen was active on the social concerns committee at Christ the King Church.  Kathleen retired from teaching in 2014 after 26 years in the classroom.  She continued to substitute teach during retirement.

Most important to Kathleen was her family, friends, and living a life of service.  Kathleen had an infectious smile and was selfless with her time for others.  She was always eager to help anyone in need of assistance. Her hobbies included traveling with her husband and family, reading, playing Bunco, spending time with her eight grandchildren, and being a good neighbor.  She enjoyed shopping, surprising others with gifts, decorating for Christmas and other holidays, and assisting with coordinating family gatherings.  A connection to others was important to Kathleen.  She liked to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors and noted achievements of her former students.  Kathleen will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but the impact she had on their lives will remain forever.

Survivors include her husband William, sons, Ryan (Laura) Barrett, Lawrence, KS, and Michael (Samantha) Barrett, Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren Adam, James, Ethan, Luke, Sydney, Gabrielle, Madison, and Bryce Barrett; niece Sarah (Chris) Patterson; nephew Kevin (Elizabeth) McDowell.  Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Denise.

The family would like to thank all caregivers, Unity Point Hospice program, and her doctors and nurses for their excellent care.  Online condolences may be left for the family at vanhoe.com.

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