Barbara “Barb” A. Giese, age 61, of Maple Park, IL, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 9, 2021.
She was born January 29, 1959, in DeKalb, IL, to loving parents, Morton and Shirley Snyder.
Barb grew up in the Maple Park area and attended local schools. She graduated from Kaneland High School. She continued her education at Northern Illinois University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Science and Aurora University, where she received a degree in Nursing.
She was united in marriage to James Allen Giese and they were blessed with three children, Michael, Laura and Anne Marie. Though they eventually took separate paths, the loving bonds they shared with the children never left.
Barb was a 13-year veteran of Delnor Hospital before working for the Kaneland District, first as an elementary nurse and eventually becoming a high school nurse and later the District Nurse for Kaneland District 302. Each student was loved and treated like her own. Her ministrations were kind and gentle but her intuition helped to save many lives over her storied tenure.
Barb was a dedicated and loving mother, not only to her children, but all the children she was honored to care for as they travelled through the educational system. She had a strong spirit and an iron work ethic that conquered every obstacle that had the misfortune to fall into her path. Barb always made sure to put others before herself and always seemed to be moving. If she ever paused for any amount of time, it was only because she was on to the next project, trip, or task. One of her favorite pastimes was upgrading her home that always shone with love and pride. Barb was frugal in nature and always looked to save a penny before she spent one, unless it was on someone else. She enjoyed traveling and tried to cross off destinations on her bucket list. Loved by everyone, Barb leaves broken hearts and thousands of tears, but the memories she made with all those she loved, outnumbers them all. They will live on for generations after the last tear has been shed.
She now leaves her three children: Michael Giese, Laura Giese and Anne Marie Giese; one beautiful granddaughter, Sofia Giese; two brothers: Bob Snyder and Bill (Sharon) Snyder; her mother, Shirley Snyder; three nieces and nephews: Keith (Erica) Snyder, Jenny (Brad) Rusin and Olivia Snyder; and a family of friends that span the generations.
She now joins her father, Morton and two brothers: Larry Snyder and Dan Snyder, who preceded her in death.
Visitation will be at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Maple Park, Saturday, January 16, 2021, from 11-1and only five people will be allowed to enter at a time. Please dress for the weather as there is no place to shelter in line. Mass will follow at 1 p.m. Fr. Ariel Valencia, pastor of the church, will officiate with interment at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Maple Park, IL.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Barb’s name. Checks may be made to the “Barbara A. Giese Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can see her full life story.