Barbara Heeren Holbrook, 86, a long-time and much-respected resident of Monticello, passed away on Monday, October. 15, 2012, at the Piatt County Nursing Home.
Her family will welcome visitors at the Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, 215 East Washington, Monticello, Illinois on Thursday evening 5:00pm7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at St Philomena Church, in Monticello, 1301 North Market St. Monticello, Illinois at 10:00am on Friday, Oct., 19, 2012 with Fr. Bruce Lopez officiating. Mass will be followed by a graveside service at the Monticello Cemetery.
Barb was born October 8, 1926, in Chicago, IL, daughter of Harry E. and Gladys Gatchell Heeren. A graduate of Southshore High School, Barb briefly attended Carlton College. She returned to Evanston to attend Northwestern. There, she completed her bachelors degree in Zoology. While at Northwestern, she met Joseph Holbrook of Park Ridge, and they were married in 1947. Joe proceeded her in death in 2009..
Also surviving are Barb and Joes six children: Jan (Tom) Hawkins of Centralia, Lee Ann of Bridgeport, Tom (Cathy) of Normal, Bob of Urbana, Libby of Peoria, and Howard (Chris) of Loveland, Colorado Barb is also survived by 10 grand children and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Peg Dighton, and daughter-in-law Hilary Taylor Holbrook.
Barb also leaves several nieces and nephews, including Karen Henebry, who lived with Barb and Joes family for some years.
Barb was a homemaker until 1970 when she began working at the Carle Clinic's main appointment desk. She later worked at Metamorphis Montessori School until she retired. She was highly involved with Monticello Schools, Red Cross Blood Drives, the Kirby Hospital Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, St. Philomenas Catholic Church in addition to following in the numerous activities of her children and grandchildren. Barb was an adamant reader and bridge player belonging to the same bridge club for over 50 years.
Memorials may be sent to the Piatt County Nursing Home, 1111 North State St., PO Box 410, Monticello, IL 61856 or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 4700 N. University St. Suite 92, Peoria, IL 61614-5849. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.
A most caring wife, involved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Barb will be sorely missed.
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