Barbara Morrissey-McGrew
Alton | Save
Barbara Lynne Morrissey-McGrew passed away on September 16th, 2026, at the age of 73. No words could ever express the depth of this loss or fill the profound emptiness left by Barbara’s passing. The gaping hole felt by so many is a testament to the immeasurable love, presence, and impact Barbara shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her, to be loved by her, and be touched by her unique and irreplaceable spirit.
Barbara was born on February 8th, 1953, in Alton, Illinois, as the first daughter of the late Trixie and Ed Morrissey, Sr. Her remarkable intelligence was evident from an early age. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1975 before returning home to Alton. In 1979, she founded Morrissey Sisters Construction, which later led to the founding of Morrissey Contracting in 1985, a company that Barbara grew from scratch to be a leading specialty painting contractor today. But Barbara did not run this company for her own personal gain. Instinctively and naturally, she placed her staff and their families in front of her, constantly strove for complete customer satisfaction, and was always focused on running the company with passion, the utmost of integrity, fairness, and kindness – just the way she ran her life.
Barbara was a renaissance woman, an avid reader, a devoted friend, and a mother figure to many. She was intelligent and endlessly curious, quick to laugh, generous with her wisdom, and able to find a friend wherever she went. Whether hosting a celebration, gathering everyone for the Morrissey family Christmas, or simply opening her home to someone who needed it, Barbara put people first. She would constantly offer her ‘shoulder to lean on’ – no matter the individual or circumstance. It was never about Barbara; it was always about others. She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together and, in doing so, became someone who held family and friends together.
Her home is a reflection of that spirit. With an extraordinary eye for color and beauty, Barbara was a true and practical artist who created spaces that felt as warm and welcoming as she was. Her garden, filled with trees, fruit, and flowers, was a place of beauty and peace and the setting for countless cherished memories. Her kitchen became a familiar place for many people, where comfort in the form of reassuring words and a bountiful spread could always be found.
Barbara found both joy and wisdom in books that she delighted in sharing with others through book clubs and lively conversations. She approached life with an eagerness to learn, create, build, and contribute that was simply infectious.
The same generosity she showed to those closest to her extended throughout her community. Barbara devoted herself to Alton and Godfrey, serving on the boards of Marquette Catholic High School and Habitat for Humanity. In 2018, she began a two-year term as President of the YWCA of Alton and continued her service as a board member afterward. The YWCA also recognized her as a Woman of Distinction, joining an extraordinary group of trailblazing leaders whose influence, innovation, and service shape communities across the region, Barbara gave her time and talents tirelessly, always looking for ways to support, encourage, and uplift others.
Barbara accomplished much in her life, but those who loved her will remember something greater than any list of achievements. They will remember how she made people feel: welcomed, cared for, listened to, and loved. They will remember her laughter, her wisdom, her garden and kitchen, the gatherings she created, and the countless ways—both large and small—she showed up for the people around her.
Above all, Barbara will be remembered for the way she loved others. She loved with profound kindness, unwavering generosity, and an open heart. Her greatest legacy lives not only in all that she built and accomplished, but in the family she held close and held together, the community she strengthened, and the countless people who are better for having been loved by her.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Morrissey, and sister-in-law, Patty Morrissey.
Her legacy is carried on by her husband, Michael McGrew; her son, Tommy Edmoundson (Amanda Carter), her siblings Ed Morrissey, Linda Morrissey (spouse to Michael Morrissey), Tom (Laurie) Morrissey, Jim Morrissey, Joe Morrissey, John Morrissey, Teri (Dean) Holland, Dan (Kimara) Morrissey, Sr., Patrick (William Thum) Morrissey; and Kathy (Kurt) Brandt; her great many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and countless friends and extended family of McGrews and cousins, who will each miss Barbara dearly.
The visitation is on Friday, September 25th at Elias, Kallal, & Schaaf of Godfrey from 4-7 PM.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 26th at 11 AM at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara’s memory to the YWCA of Alton, the Trix and Ed Morrissey Scholarship Fund at Marquette Catholic High School.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
