St. Leo's Shrine - the tree on the left is where Barb's grave is located
Barb's Gravestone
Entrance to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
Barb's First Holy Communion with Sister Monica (Bridget McDermott) and Cousin Michael McGann (also his first commuion)
Barb & Shep
Barb - the toddler
Barb in Santa's lap, Peg, Beth, Greg to her rear, and Bill
Bill, Greg, Peg, Beth, and Barb in that bouncer that lasted far beyond the warranty.Barbara Ann was born 28 March 1955 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Barb was the middle daughter and in many ways exeplified the middle child syndrome.
The Beach Boys' song Barbara Ann was very popular during my teenage years and it was sung in a teasing manner to Babr. Barb also attended Queen of Peace High School. After graduating, she went to become a court stenographer, but did not excel at it and eventually gave up to be come a legal secretary. She worked for our cousin, Maureen (a divorce attorney).
Barb met and married William Schmutz on 24 Aug 1975 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. I gave Barb away at her wedding. It was shortly after dad passed away and did not feel worthy of the privilege.
Together Willie and Barb had three sons: twin sons William Thomas and Joseph Raymond, and Michael James.
In February 1996, Barb, who was an avid fundraiser for her sister Joanne, was diagnosed with breast cancer. 11 months later on 13 January 1997, Barb succumbed to the disease. She was buried on 18 January 1997, the coldest day of the year. Earlier in the day, Barb was taken to Palos Hospital and then life-flighted to the University of Chicago Hospital. We gathered together as a family at U of C Hospital and waited for her breathe her last breath.
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