Date of Birth
Oct 05,1942
Date of Death
Feb 17,2016
Barbara “Barb” VanWey, age 73, of Rochelle, IL, formerly of St. Charles, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and prayers of her daughters, Wednesday, February 17, 2016.
She was born October 5, 1942, in Geneva, IL, the daughter of Julius and Shirley (Keasler) Matthys.
Barbara grew up in Elburn and attended local schools. She graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1960. Before graduating, Barb made a name for herself in the classroom as an honor student and on the sidelines as a cheerleader for her beloved Knights. She was also voted “prettiest girl” and homecoming queen.
She went on to attend Illinois State University and graduated with an Associate’s Degree before meeting Donald C. Van Wey in St. Charles, IL, in 1964. They were united in marriage on January 1, 1965 in Ontarioville, IL.
They made their home in Batavia for a short time before moving to Geneva where they welcomed home a daughter, Darci, while Stephanie made the family complete when they built their own house in St. Charles in 1968. The family moved once more to Wasco in 1976. Later, Barbara and Don went their separate ways with Barbara staying in St. Charles until moving with Darci and a brand new granddaughter to West Chicago. Declining health brought her into the care of various health care centers in the years that followed.
Barb worked locally in the early years at Harding & Harding, a livestock insurance company, in Geneva. After raising her daughters, Barb left the home to work for the Rosemont Horizon Convention Center for over twenty years.
Barb was amazing in the kitchen, whether it was cooking meals or baking mouthwatering treats, you never left hungry. Christmas was her time to shine, but loved to spend the warmer months tending her garden. Barb had a knack for arts and crafts, but was surprisingly agile on the tennis court. She was a card shark at heart and showed off her intellect when it was time to play Trivial Pursuit. Barb was also an avid reader, consuming book after book of murder mysteries. Her heart only beat for her family which included the four legged variety. Whether you were a mutt or pure bred, Barb made room in her heart for many dogs over the years. Barb was one of kind and will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her two loving daughters: Darcilyn Teafoe Van Wey and Stephanie Winters; three grandchildren: Garrett Teafoe, Darien Teafoe and Chloe Winters; Three great-grandchildren: Haiden, Jackson and Penelope Teafoe; three siblings: Margaret (Danny) Mulhearn, Lisa (Rory) Tempera and John (Nalani) Jensen; many nieces, nephews and a community of friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and two siblings: Billy Matthys and Linda Moore.
Visitation will be from 11-1 p.m., with a Remembrance Service to follow at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn ,IL 60119.
Memorial contributions can be made in Barbara’s memory to the charity of your choice. Tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page and see her full life story at www.conleycare.com.
A Remembrance Service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn ,IL 60119.
Visitation will be from 11-1 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn ,IL 60119.