Barbara Ann Gaynor

Barbara Ann Gaynor (née Dearie), of Lisle, IL, passed away on August 29, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on June 24, 1935, in Chicago, she was the beloved daughter of Gerald and Mildred (White) Dearie. She graduated from St. Scholastica Academy, Chicago, in 1953.
Barbara married Robert Gaynor in 1957, and together they built a life full of love and adventure. Early in their marriage, they lived in Niagara Falls, NY; Chicago; and Spring Valley, IL, before settling in Woodridge, IL, where they made their home for over 50 years, and were faithful parishioners of St. Joan of Arc. She had a fulfilling career at Vaughn's Seed Company, Downers Grove, IL.
Barbara was a woman of creativity, compassion, and quiet strength. A gifted crafter, she found great joy in sewing, needlework, and painting. Her green thumb was evident in the vibrant houseplants that filled her home and in the care she gave to her yard.
She had an adventurous spirit and a love for travel. Barbara treasured visits with family in Arkansas, Florida, California, and Indiana. She created lasting memories on trips throughout the United States, and also visited Africa, Scotland and Ireland.
In her later years, Barbara stayed active in the Woodridge senior community, where she enjoyed bingo and crafting for charity-always eager to share her time and talents with others.
Barbara was especially blessed to have the friendship and care of her longtime neighbors Keith and Debbie Storch and Belinda and Ian Jarvie, whose kindness and support meant so much. Barbara developed a special bond with her nurse, Danielle, whose friendship brought Barbara great comfort and joy. She was also grateful for the companionship of new friends she made at Villa St. Benedict, and being surrounded by a warm and welcoming community.
Above all, Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She led by example, teaching the importance of love, resilience, and family. She enjoyed outings and attending activities with her family. Her home was always open and welcoming, especially during the holidays, which she cherished as a time to bring everyone together.
Barbara's legacy lives on in the hearts of her children: James (the late Sheryl), Gerald (Dawn), Theresa (Nick) Stepp, and Germaine (the late Jon) Hill; her grandchildren: Jessica (Zachary) Tanney, Gerald (Cheryl) O'Riley, Trace Gaynor, Thomas (Noel) Stepp, Lauren Gaynor, Rachel (Madelyn) Stepp; and Michael Carsten; and her great-grandchildren: Hayley and Keegan Tanney. She is also survived by her sister, Donna Bickel, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; her brother, Gerald (the late Beryl), her sister, Dorothy Pohlman; brothers-in-law Ralph Gougeon, Allan Bickel, Earl Belzer, and Stuart Pohlman; cherished cousins Betty Turner-Lepley, Pierette Biancardi and Richard Gougeon.
Barbara will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her generous heart, her creative spirit, and the warmth she brought to every life she touched.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2025 at the chapel at Villa St. Benedict, 1920 Maple Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
For info, (630) 834-3515 or www.ElmhurstFH.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann Gaynor, please visit our floral store.