Barbara lived a life full of passion, purpose, and impact. A trained nurse, she began caring for others in 1944 and never really stopped. She married her husband John in 1947, and together they built 67 years of marriage, raised 7 children, and shared a remarkable journey that included living in England with their family in the early1960’s and running a llama farm in Northern Michigan well into retirement.

Barbara was a force of nature- fiercely civic-minded, deeply opinionated, and never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. She and John supported causes close to their hearts, with Chicago Commons holding a special place for them. Before she passed at age 98, Barbara made sure her values would live on. She left a planned gift for her children to distribute to charities close to her heart. Chicago Commons was one of them.  Her gift will help ensure that children and families in our communities continue to thrive, just as she and John would have wanted.

Barbara’s story reminds us: planned giving isn’t just about financials. It’s about leaving behind a legacy that tells the world what mattered most to you.

Interested in learning more about including Chicago Commons in your estate plans? Call Cheryl Wisniewski, Vice President of Development, at (773) 826-4256 or email at Cheryl@ChicagoCommons.org.