Barbara Connolly-Blick, 67, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her Washington Heights home on October 10th, 2025, after a years-long journey with peritoneal mesothelioma. Her husband Jon was by her side while the family listened to her favorite local radio program, The Chicken Shack on WMSE.

Barbara (Barb) was born on July 31, 1958 to Sue Connolly (Hawley) and the late Richard Connolly in Racine, Wisconsin. Smack in the middle of six kids, the Connolly crew roamed Racine on their Schwinn bikes and have carried on as a merry band of misfits ever since. Barb always looked forward to their annual laughter-filled sibling weekends when the Connollys explore wacky attractions in small towns across Wisconsin as the leaves change in October.

Barb worked as a life-long educator predominately in Milwaukee Public Schools. She retired from Golda Meir School in 2018 and stayed close with the “Golda Girls,” as well as other long-time colleagues. She was known for her year-round bike commuting, her dedication to students with disabilities, and her energy during recess which rivaled that of any fourth grader. Barb also enjoyed summers with the Wisconsin Bike Fed’s Safe Routes to School program teaching kids how to navigate Milwaukee by bicycle. She loved taking kids on rides along the Menomonee River or to Lake Michigan to share her favorite pockets of the city.

When people picture Barb, they no doubt see her on two wheels. Barb and Jon met at the University of Wisconsin Madison, were married on June 21, 1980, and rode through life together for 45 years as dedicated cyclists and local music enthusiasts. Any Milwaukee local who loves live music has waved to Barb and Jon at Linneman’s, The Circle A, or Chill on the Hill, if not while out riding the Hank Aaron Trail. Family vacations for Barb, Jon, and young Sam and Ellie were often spent riding around Wisconsin and exploring popular routes like the Elroy Sparta Trail with plenty of M&Ms in tow. The Bearskin Trail in the Northwoods of Minocqua was another favorite ride, near Barb’s beloved Bolger Lake where her parents retired to in 1986.

Barb will be remembered for her love of the ride, irreverent humor, superb swimming and water skiing stunts, exceptional scrabble skills, and her welcoming nature toward anyone and everyone. Barb always enjoyed hosting “Blicksgiving,” brunches, and barbecues for family, friends, and friends-to-be.

Barb is survived by her husband Jon as well as her children Sam (Natalie) and Eleanor; her mother Sue; her siblings Mary, Ginny, Ann, Sheila, and Bill; and an extended community of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Barb was happy for any excuse to have a party, and as such, a Memorial Happy Hour is scheduled for Sunday, October 26th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Big Head Brewing in Wauwatosa. All are welcome for a casual afternoon of photos, pie, and a rockin’ playlist.

In lieu of flowers and at Barb’s request, please consider contributions to the Wisconsin Bike Fed. Go for a bike ride and raise a glass to Barb! Preferably a German stein or Belgian tulip. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/barbara-connolly-blick/obituary/

Copy