Jennifer Ann Gaughan

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).