Barbara J. Laukaitis

Barbara "Barb" J. Laukaitis, age 78, a longtime resident of Naperville, IL, passed away on September 11, 2025, at Edward Hospital. She was born on May 17, 1947, in Davenport, IA.

Barbara is survived by her best friend and devoted husband of 40 years, Ed Laukaitis; her children, Julie (John) Kelly of Orland Park, IL, Kelley (Phil) Lilly of Powell, OH, and Jason (Jami) Copeland of Naperville, IL; her stepdaughter, Christine (Joe) Miller of Stuart, IL; her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Victoria, Rebecca, Josie, John "Jack," Jonathan, Grace, Lindsay, Katie, and Max; her brothers, Robert (Tracy) Lindley, Michael (Christian) Laval-Lindley, and Christopher (Susan) Lindley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Patricia Lindley.

Barb spent her childhood years in Geneseo, Pekin, and Bloomington, Illinois, before her family settled in Lombard, IL, where she graduated from Glenbard East High School in 1965. She attended Northern Illinois University, where she met her former husband, John Copeland. They welcomed three children while living in New York City, Memphis, and Darien, Illinois. In 1985, while out making sales calls on a Friday afternoon, Barb met the love of her life, Ed. They were married in December 1986 in Naperville, where they lived together until her passing. Barb and Ed started a successful business together in the early 1990s and worked side by side until the very end.

Barb's love of music was present throughout her life-beginning with her performances in school musicals, seeing the Beatles when they invaded America (Paul was her favorite!), and culminating in becoming a six-time international medalist while singing with her barbershop quartet. She also had a passion for bringing out the best in others' musical talents, which could be seen in her work as a coach and director for many barbershop quartets and choruses.

Barbara loved being "Grammy" to her grandkids-having them for sleepovers and attending their school and sporting events. Her presence will be deeply missed.

For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Barbara's life, memorial donations in Barbara's name may be directed to Harmony Foundation International: https://www.harmonyfoundation.org/memorial-giving

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 2:00–4:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. A celebration of Barbara's life will follow at 4:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be private.