Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jennifer Gaughan Obituary
Born: December 8, 1963 in Mendota, IL
Died: April 17, 2025 in Lanark, IL
Jennifer Ann Gaughan, age 61, of Lanark IL, passed away on April 17, 2025 at her home, with family by her side. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, April 26, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Lanark. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Police or Fire Departments.
Jennifer was born December 8, 1963, in Mendota, IL, the daughter of George and Kathleen (Swayze) Babcock. She attended Lanark schools, graduating from Lanark High School with the class of 1982; earning the title of Homecoming Queen, in her senior year.
She would go on to earn her bachelor's degree, in social work, from Loras College, and her master's degree in social work, from Barry University, Miami, FL. For over 20 years, Jennifer helped thousands of children as a Foster Care & Adoption Specialist/Supervisor in Miami & Palm Beach FL,receiving special recognition.
Jennifer married Donald 'Brian' Gaughan on Oct 27, 1990 in the Gardens of the Ancient Spanish Monastery, North Miami Beach, FL. They enjoyed a happy marriage, lovingly raising their son, Jared, until Brian's untimely death in May 2005. In 2018, Jennifer found incredible love once again, with Al Headley. Together they lived life to the fullest with roadtrips, adventures, boat rides, trail rides, antiquing and playing Monopoly and Scrabble.
In April of 2024, Jennifer joined her sister's insurance agency and obtained her Property Casualty Insurance License, serving clients in many capacities until November. Jennifer was honored as Lake Carroll's Volunteer of the Year in 2021.
Jennifer will be dearly missed by her son, Jared Gaughan; partner, Alfred Headley, and his son Taylor (Mackenzie) Headley; Companion Lab "Butkus"; mother & stepfather, Kathy & John Dahms; best friend and twin sister, Jeanette (Doug) Linker; brothers, Chad Babcock & Phillip Babcock; sisters, Lorali (Dan) Heintzelman & Rachel (Jim) Dubois; special nieces, Damaris Linker and Hope (Jared) Jobes; nieces/nephews, Christian Babcock, Griffin & Jackson Dubois, Randi (Leighton) Martz; great nieces/nephews, Brynleigh & Baylee Jobes, and August, Mady & Ellie Martz; and very special friends, Kelly, Amy, Donna, Laura, and Cheryl. Jennifer is preceded in death by her husband, Brian Gaughan (2005), and father, George "Bill" Babcock (2011).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jennifer Gaughan
Sponsored by Law-Jones Funeral Home Eastland - Lanark.
4 Entries
J.
May 6, 2025
May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.
Gary Armstrong
April 25, 2025
So sad to see this. Went to school with this family through most of grade and all of high school. All the Babcock family was so kind and fun to be with. So sorry for this loss.
Donald Olson
April 24, 2025
Sorry for Jennifers' loss ! Such a beautiful, gifted lady ! Condolences to her family !
Bonnie Gaughan-Bailey
April 22, 2025
The Gaughan family will always love Jennifer. She brought joy to the family and the wonderful Jared. She will be missed forever. May God Bless her soul.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Jennifer Gaughan's name
Memorial Events
for Jennifer Gaughan
Funeral services provided by:
Law-Jones Funeral Home Eastland - Lanark114 E. Illinois Rt 64, Lanark, IL 61046
How to support Jennifer's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jennifer Gaughan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
