Barbara Jane Subak, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 18th, 2021. She was born on June 16, 1932, in Minneapolis, the daughter of J. Elmer Anderson and Gladys Konze Anderson.

Barbara grew up in Minneapolis and went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she met the love of her life, Frank Subak. They were married in 1956 and later welcomed sons Douglas and Richard. The family moved many times in those early years and in 1972 put down roots in Northbrook, IL.

Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother, and most recently added the title of great grandmother. Her family was so important to her, and she was so proud of her sons and the families they raised, whether it was attending their sporting or music events, following their careers and accomplishments, or settling down to start the next generation of Subaks.

She had a curious mind and was a lifelong learner. She was an elementary school teacher, an accomplished bridge player, a world traveler, a volunteer, and an avid reader who was always on the lookout for the next interesting recipe to try. She was the family historian long before online apps were available-she did it the old school way, listening to stories, taking notes, saving letters, and sharing stories to be passed down to her children and grandchildren.

She was also a wonderful friend. If you had the good fortune of meeting Barbara, you were considered a friend. She cherished and nurtured these friendships over her lifetime, keeping in touch through calls and cards and emails. She was so looking forward to attending her 70th high school class reunion in Minnetonka last year and re-connecting with her sorority sisters up there. Unfortunately, the reunion, like so many other events, was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Barbara is survived by her sons Douglas (Yvonne) and Richard (Kathy); grandchildren Sarah Subak, Stephen (Andrea) Subak, Ellyn Subak, Jayne Subak, Scott (Jenna) Subak; great grandson, Sebastian Subak; nieces Kate Subak and Jane Subak Kennedy; and nephews Tom Subak and Michael Subak.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frank; parents J. Elmer and Gladys Anderson Kaercher; stepfather Cecil Kaercher: brother-in-law John Subak and sister-in-law Mary Subak.

The family asks that donations or memorials be made in Barbara's name to your local food pantry or other relief organizations assisting those individuals most impacted by the pandemic.

A private service will be held at a later date. For info. Nelson Funeral Home ParkRidge or www.nelsonfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Subak

8 Entries

GERALD SZYMSKI

January 20, 2022

Is it really a year since Barb took her final bow? Co-vid has enveloped our daily lives and we have little time to mourn the losses. Barbara Subak was a major loss. The bridge world alone suffers from the lack of encounters with the players we no longer see or play against. They were as important as an family member because we saw them daily, weekly, monthly....Where have all the players gone?? I miss them all!!! Barbara, you were a peach!!!

Jan Churchwell

February 5, 2021

We met at a bridge tournament and enjoyed each other's company pretty much from the first moment. We played together, including traveling, and driving together here because it was more fun than just meeting up. Barb liked my dog a lot, and I often brought her along. Once she let us know she objected to staying in the car by greeting us with a smelly "gift" when we came out. Barb just laughed and said she was a dog who knew how to make a point. Barb had so many "bridge friends" -- I'm sure she's laughing and playing up a storm with them again along with reminiscing about the wonderful trips, shows, presentations, and meals they'd shared. My deepest sympathies to her family.

Bonnie Zeitlin

February 2, 2021

Barbara and I met through our membership in The Saints, and we shared many fun times together. It was a pleasure to spend time with her.
Sincere condolences on your loss.

Mary Stump

February 1, 2021

Barbara was a wonderful teacher and colleague in the Glenview schools. Alsoa great bridge player with a wonderful, dry sense of humor. A donation to the Northfield Township Food Pantry would be what she wanted

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Kathleen Morrissey

January 31, 2021

My parents and the Subak's have been neighbors since 1976. My Dad and I recently enjoyed an evening with Mrs. Subak as we waited for the arrival of Christmas Carolers from St. Norberts school. As the evening progressed I found myself thinking, "I want to be like her." The energy she had! It seemed to derive from the joy she found being with others. To me she was living like a 40 year old. What I found most inspiring was that when we finally sat down to dinner the Carolers arrived and she popped up. She could have stayed at the table and listened, but not Mrs. Subak! She was a participant in life, not a watcher. With winter coat and walker she got down the stairs and joined the group in song. To her family, I am sorry for your loss. She will be fondly remembered by many.

GERALD SZYMSKI

January 31, 2021

Many of my finest moments in life were filled with the joy of knowing Barbara. We met through the kinship of a mutual friend, Kay Hathaway. Bridge was our first encounters but that obsession led to many other avenues that broadened our cultural horizons. We all loved the movies, live theater, and great food. Our experiences in all three made for pure enjoyment. We spent many an OSCAR night glued to the telecast as we tried to earn the title of MOVIE MASTER by correctly guessing the winners. Although she never was crowned, Barbara always had a great time and made everyone feel like a winnner. Over the years, we spent many hours going over bridge hands and delighting in a repast after the game. My daughter Ashley and I will forever cherish our time with Barbara!

January 31, 2021

My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .

Joy Alfonsi

January 27, 2021

Barb and I played a lot of bridge together, but I will remember her most for her joyous laughter.
Our trip together to Asia was one continual laugh---at ourselves, at each other, and at usually very reserved Asians laughing at two Americans in the throes of laughter over some hysterical incident.
Till we meet again, Barb, over a bridge table or at a Chinese opera where you can fall asleep on my shoulder. Thank you for enlivening my life, dear friend.

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