Barbara J. Bigus

Barbara J. Bigus (née Hepner), age 85, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1994, formerly of Hammond, IN and Calumet City, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville. She was born on August 4, 1940, in Hammond, IN.
Beloved wife of Robert A. "Bob" Bigus, whom she married on October 13, 1962. "The most wonderful man in this world," Bob was Barbara's spouse, friend, lover and companion. Barbara was positive her life would not have been as pleasant, successful and happy without Bob in her life. Barbara was the loving mother of Deanna (Steve) Levin, Sue (Tyler) Swartz and Robert (Linda) Bigus, adored grandmother of Alex (Therese) Levin, Samantha Swartz, Becky (Jeb) Ziegler, Cindy Swartz, Zack Swartz, Brandon (fiancée, Sarah) Bigus, David Bigus and Elizabeth Bigus, cherished great-grandmother of Cameron and Lucas Levin, devoted daughter of the late Harold and Caroline (nee Schloer) Hepner. Dear eldest sister of Carole Hepner, Diane (Fred) Rogers, Elizabeth (Richard) Pote, Frances (Jim) Schiltz and Jim (Nancy) Hepner, fond cousin, aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt and friend of many.
Barbara was born on August 4, 1940, to Harold and Caroline Hepner and grew up in Hammond, IN. She was a graduate of Bishop Noll High School and attended Saint Joseph's College Extension in Hammond, IN, where she made lifelong friends as a member of the Beta Epsilon chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK) sorority. Barbara was employed as a secretary prior to marriage with AMAIZO (also known as the American Maize Products Company), Standard Railway and American Steel Foundries.
Barbara was always a great baker, making excellent coffee cake and cookies and was known as "Cookie Grandma." She also enjoyed playing bridge and will be remembered for her "always full" M&M jar. Barbara was a current member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Naperville and a former member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Calumet City.
Barbara was proud of each of her children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They grew up to be intelligent, hardworking and willing to honor their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 8, 11:00 AM at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, IL 60540.
Interment will follow at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL.
For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.