Joan Mallon Mulcahy

Joan Mallon Mulcahy was born on June 8, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. The daughter of Thomas and Rosemary Neuneker Mallon, Joan's adventurous spirit led her to Mundelein College in Chicago, Illinois, where she graduated with a dual drama/education degree. While teaching was not her true passion, exploits to Delavan Lake in Wisconsin introduced her to future husband William "Bill" A Mulcahy, Jr..

Joan and Bill married on May 1,1954 and settled in Elmhurst, Illinois, later relocating to Wheaton, Illinois, and finally to Scottsburg, Indiana, in 2000. Joan and Bill's family was their world with Joan serving as the original "girl mom," raising her four daughters along with the many nieces-and one nephew-she adored.

Precious summers were spent in Powers Lake, Wisconsin with the Mulcahy clan that included brothers in law Bob and Jack Mulcahy, their wives Liz and Marianne, and six nieces. Additional family travels with Bill involved adventures to Canada and across the United States, visiting every historical marker he could find. These trips, often shared with her sister Rosemarie, brother in law Kenny Borchardt, and their 7 children provided a lifetime of memories and endless laughter.

In retirement, Joan and Bill continued to travel, attending Elderhostels and later enjoying time with their daughters and grandchildren. After Bill passed away in 2002, Joan re-established her life in Scottsburg, Indiana, where she found companionship with her second husband, Joseph Brown. She continued to spend summers in Powers Lake, often with a margarita (or wine with plenty of ice) in hand, gazing out over the water.

Joan became deeply involved with American Martyrs Catholic Church in Scottsburg, as well as with the local Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She loved taking care of people and showed her love through quiet, consistent acts of care.

Joan is survived by her four daughters: Jean Robbins of Scottsburg, Indiana; Beth (Thomas Godfrey) Mackenzie of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Marge (Paul Merecicky) Mulcahy of Columbus, Ohio; and Nancy (Joseph) Maston of Wheaton, Illinois. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Katie (Jared) Sawin, Kyle (Suong) Robbins, Mallon (Patrick) Graham, James (Ana) Mackenzie, Mary Mackenzie, Carolyn (Angelo) Novello and Jack Mackenzie, Greg Schwab, Patrick Schwab, Eileen Schwab, William Maston, Bennett Maston and Bridget Maston; and nine great-grandchildren: Finn, Maeve, Robert, William, Katherine, Clement, Constant, Enzo, and Florence. Joan also leaves behind a trove of nieces and nephews. To know Joan was to love Joan.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Mallon and Rosemary Mallon Horejs; husbands William A. Mulcahy Jr. and Joseph Brown; sister Rosemarie Mallon Borchardt; son-in-law Kelley Robbins; and nephew Paul Borchardt.

Joan's family is deeply indebted to the staff and residents of Hampton Oaks Health Campus in Scottsburg, Indiana, for their love and care over the past three and a half years. Their compassion will always be fondly remembered.

Reflecting the chapters of her life, Joan will be honored with services in Scottsburg, Indiana, and in the Chicago area, with burial alongside her husband William and family at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois. Visitation will be at Collins Funeral Home in Scottsburg on Tuesday, April 28 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and a funeral mass will be celebrated at American Martyrs Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Burial in Des Plaines, Illinois will occur at a later date.

Please share memories and condolences at www.collinsfuneralhome.net.