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BORN

1931

DIED

2016

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Betty Barbolini Obituary

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.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune from Sep. 21 to Sep. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Barbolini

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SANDRA BREISCH-BERNER

September 16, 2025

My condolences go out to the Barbolini family, and particularly, her husband, Bob Barbolinie. Betty had such grace and class that it was a sheer pleasure to talk to her. She was quite intelligent and literary and such a lovely woman.

Best,
The Breisch-Berner Family

Sandra Breisch-Berner

October 27, 2016

Bob, I am very sorry to learn of Betty's passing, and feel for you and her family. As a young woman, I admired Betty as a feminine role model, classy woman who knew the right words to say, had dignity and respect for all. I will truly miss her, but her memory lingers on. I pray you have the strength to hang tough and savore her spirit. Her moral thread was also inseparable from society. I really adored her. God rest her beautiful soul.
Sandra Breisch-Berner

JF

September 27, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

J. Miller

September 25, 2016

Liz, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a beautiful soul and will never be forgotten. Please keep her memories alive just as God promised that He will do also. Malachi 3:16

September 24, 2016

My condolences to the Barbolini family and friends. May the God of all comfort strengthen you all during this time. Rom 15:4

Nicky and Bill Evans

September 23, 2016

BETTY --
REQUIESCAT IN PACE

September 23, 2016

To the BARBOLINI FAMILY in their time of grief, drawing close to 'God' in prayer will "sustain you."

September 22, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

September 22, 2016

I am truly sorry for your loss. May the god of comfort be with you during this difficult time.

F and G Rich

September 22, 2016

Offering our heart felt condolences to the family for your loss. May you draw close to God during this difficult time and he will draw close to you.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc. Funeral Service Center - Chicago

6471 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631

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