Antoinette Adell Mahoney Kirkwood, a distinguished educator and community leader, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. She was 84 years old.
Born to Neily and Naomi Mahoney on December 16, 1940, in Chicago, Antoinette was one of three children, joining her twin brother, Anthony Odell Mahoney, and later their younger sister, Iris Meredith Mahoney. Growing up in a close-knit family, Antoinette shared a lifelong bond with her siblings, participating in various community and park district activities. Her love for sports, particularly track and tennis, complemented her intellectual curiosity, which was nurtured from an early age through reading and trivia.
A product of the Chicago public school system, Antoinette excelled academically at Park Manor Grammar School and Hirsh High School. She continued her education at the University of Illinois (Urbana) and Chicago Teachers College (CTC), where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and two Master’s degrees in Education and Business Education.
In 1960, Antoinette became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Alpha Alpha Chapter. She dedicated herself to empowering women and advancing education, further contributing as a founding member of Zeta Phi Beta’s Graduate Chapter, Zeta Tau Zeta, where she remained an active member until her death.
In 1963, she married Nathan Kirkwood, Jr., a businessman, and together they became deeply involved in the St. Ailbe Church community. The couple had two sons, Nathan III and Johnathan Warren, both of whom benefited from the strong educational foundation their parents provided. The Kirkwoods emphasized the importance of education, enrolling their children in St. Ailbe Grammar School and Kenwood High School. Both sons went on to attend prominent universities: Jonathan followed his mother’s footsteps to the University of Illinois, and Nathan III attended Roosevelt University, graduating from their respective institutions.
Antoinette Kirkwood’s commitment to education extended to her career in the Chicago Public Schools. She taught business-related courses at various schools, including Harlan, C.V.S., Julian, Calumet, and Whitney Young Magnet High Schools. After 37 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2000 as an Administrator at the Board of Education Central Office. Following her retirement, she assisted her husband with his successful income tax business, continuing her lifelong dedication to supporting her family.
Known for her enthusiasm and community involvement, Antoinette remained close to her family, living within 20 blocks of her mother, siblings, and extended family for decades. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, taking pride in the academic and personal achievements of her family members.
Antoinette’s legacy as an educator, civic leader, and loving family member will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. She leaves behind her husband, Nathan Jr.; sons Nathan III and Johnathan; nieces and nephews, including Iris (Eddie), Lisa (Pam), Tammy, Tyra, Anthony Jr., and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Neily, mother Naomi, brother Anthony Sr., sister Iris M., and niece Theolyn.
The funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Ailbe Church, 9015 S. Harper Street, Chicago. The wake will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m., with a repast immediately following.
As the community bids farewell to Antoinette, her contributions to education, family, and the community will continue to inspire for years to come.