My “Aunt Barbara” was not my biological aunt. She was my Aunt by virtue of the fact that she was my mother’s best friend, and our honorary family member.  So respected was she, that I asked her to stand in for my mother (who had passed), at the baby shower for my first grandchild, and having her there meant the world to us. Mom and Aunt Barb grew up together, and the memories and stories they created are legendary. As a child, to me Aunt Barbara was beautiful, sophisticated, elegant, worldly and bold. She embraced everything in life with gusto…whether it was love, motherhood or anything else. She lived life on her terms. She was a spark and a warm light in this world for many.  She was a wonderful friend to both my father & mother. She will be missed very much. 

 Liz, I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your mom very well, but I’m sure she was a special person, because she raised an amazing human being: you. Wishing you peace and comfort during this sad time.

Once I came into the family circle about eight years ago she treated me like I was like family forever and always took the time to talk to me and always said how white my teeth were. She will be truly missed and glad I got to know her over the years.

Barbara was a truly great friend to my late Mother, Carol Sue Kelley. Our families belonged to St. Hilary Parish in Chicago where the children went to grade school together. Barbara and Liz lived in Budlong Woods. After graduation, my sister, Kathy and Liz attended Good Counsel High School together. 

Even after they both relocated to the suburbs, Barbara and Carol remained close friends who continued to  support each other. As a cancer survivor, Barbara encouraged Carol when she had to undergo  chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I  can remember Barbara and Liz visiting Carol when she was  a patient at the Alexian Brothers Hospital in Elk Grove Village. Their visits cheered her up. 

Barbara had a sarcastic sense of humor and she could be quite entertaining. That's how I will remember her. I want to extend my condolences to Liz, David, and Ally.  

 Aunt Barb,  I will miss your laugh and your stories about you and Mom. Your style was always fabulous, and I always wanted to emulate it! I will miss you, but know that others are so happy you have joined them at last! Love...

When my friend Barbara Edens left this world, she went immediately into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He hugged her and said “Well done my good and faithful servant. 

Matthew 25 verse 21.

When my friend Barbara Edens left this world, she went immediately to heaven meeting her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus hugged her and said to her “well done my good and faithful servant now enter into the joy of your Lord.

Matthew 25:21

The world has lost a wonderful woman. Though I only met her a few times through her daughter Liz, she always remembered my name, my daughter‘s name and even the names of my pets. She was gracious and kind but not beyond a snappy retort. My kind of gal. Rest in peace, Barbara.