Betty Barbolini

1931 - 2016

Betty Barbolini (née Malone), of Chicago, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the age of 85. She was the dear wife of Robert R. Barbolini, and much-loved mother of Elizabeth Ruggles and Peter Halford. Betty was born to parents Eugene and Thelma Malone on August 2, 1931 in Jackson, TN. She grew up as the fourth of six children on a family farm in Jackson and attended Northside High School. After moving to Chicago in 1959 with her first husband, Seymour Halford, she raised two children. She later worked as a secretary, a counselor for the Illinois Department of Mental Health, and Secretary and administrative assistant to the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. After retirement Betty enjoyed traveling to places far and near with her husband Robert, whom she married in 1976, and took particular pleasure in her vacation home in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Betty had a passion for art and enjoyed painting watercolors before and after retirement. She had a sharp mind and read widely, including both popular literature as well as the classics. Betty maintained a long-term interest in politics, particularly in areas dealing with social justice. She was involved in the League of Women Voters, civil rights issues, the pacifist movement of the 1960s-70s, and later in feminist issues. She was generous with her time and considerable talents and used her skills to assist people in all walks of life. Her grace and spirit was felt by many in the communities in which she lived. Betty is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Elizabeth Ruggles, son Peter Halford, as well as by sibilings William Malone, Peggy Wilson and Jerry Malone. She is preceded in death by brothers Samuel and Bob Malone. A private memorial service will be held in the near future and her ashes will be spread among locations dear to her. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.