Barbara J. Lawson

Barbara J. Lawson, 85, of Naperville, IL, formerly of Darien, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Barbara was born in 1937 to Joseph and Marian Raffle in Montana.
Barbara grew up in the Bay Area of California. It was there that she met the love of her life, Kenneth Lawson, who would become her husband in 1954. The original "Barbie and Ken" have a special love story that includes meeting as children, eloping as teenagers and recently celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary. They had three daughters of whom she was very proud: Lucinda (Joseph Griffin) Lawson, Celeste (Scott Schlitz) Lawson-Schlitz and Kate (Joseph) Niemiec. Barbara was also the loving grandmother of Julianna Joy Lawson-Schlitz.
Barbara was preceded in death by her siblings, Margaret (Edward) Gilmore and James Schiager. She is survived by her older brother William (Judy) Stevens, Sister-in-law Betty Schiager and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
On Wednesday January 11th, there will be visitation with Barbara's family at Christ Church of Oakbrook (500 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523) beginning at 10:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon in the fellowship hall will follow the service.
In keeping with Barbara's wishes and her passion for the Arts, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Chicago Christian Youth Theater. (https://www.cytchicago.org/support/)
A graveside service will be held in Oakland, CA at a later date.