JoAnn Barder

JoAnn Barder, nee Laffey, age 78, of River Forest, died Saturday, November 26, after a brief illness, surrounded by her three children. Beloved wife of the late Robert J. Barder. Loving mother of Julie Ann, Mary Therese (Michael) Leahy, and Robert Thomas (Julene). Loving grandmother of James, the late Raymond, Naomi, David, Andrew, and Carina Barder, and Nora, Megan, and the late Erin Leahy. Daughter of the late Myles and Julia Laffey. Daughter-in-law of the late George and Gertrude Barder. Sister of Myles (Patricia) Laffey and William (Dr Patricia) Laffey. Sister-in-law of Thomas Barder and Louise (Roy Allen) Corzine and aunt, beloved cousin, prayerful godmother, and cherished friend to many.

JoAnn was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, attended Visitation School, and continued on to DePaul University, earning two master's Degrees in Teaching and School Administration. She taught second grade at Visitation School and then third grade at Ogden School. She married her "Prince," Bob Barder, on May 2, 1970, and devoted herself to being a loving wife and nurturing mother. When her children were grown, she began her work at Willows Academy, holding a number of positions over the course of two decades, including President of the Board, Director of Parent Relations, College Counselor, Teacher, Dean of Students, and Assistant Head of School. JoAnn was admired for pouring so much love, warmth and grace into all of her family relationships and friendships, for her professional excellence, and for the strength of her Catholic faith, especially her love of the Holy Mass and her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home, 625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068. The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 1850 N. Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willows Academy, 1015 Rose Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016.