Barbara Jean Rolek

Barbara Jean Rolek

Barbara Jean Rolek, age 75 of Crown Point, formerly of Chicago, IL passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025. She was born in Chicago, IL., and attended Knox College, Galesburg, IL and was a graduate of Chicago's Washburne Culinary Institute. Barbara was an executive chef and pastry chef for more than 15 years at fine dining restaurants and the commissary of a grocery store chain where she developed a home meal replacement program. Following that she became an award-winning food writer for the Chicago Tribune and the Times of Northwest Indiana. In 2007 she won the Hoosier State Press Association Award for a story on Ketogenic diet in the treatment of childhood epilepsy. In 2008 as newspapers were downsizing Barbara transitioned into writing as a guide for About.com. Her website covered Eastern European Foods. It included recipes, photos and cultural information connected with each country. When About.com eliminated her position, she then found employment as lead writer and head creative force with an upscale online company, Ann's Fabulos Finds. The owners of the company, Troy Babcock and Ann Wzacny said "Beyond her ace writing skills, Barb was an exceptional colleague and friend. She was compassionate, kind, and always ready to offer support."

Barb was the Administrator for the Saint Francis De Sales 1968 reunion website. She was preceded in death by her parents: Walter Rolek and Mary Durski Rolek; brother: Wally Rolek. Barbara is survived by her sister: Janet Rolek; sister-in-law: Camille Podalski Rolek, and many cousins in the area. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St Mary's Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet St, Crown Point, IN. Burial is private at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. She lived in Crown Point with her cats: Stella, Ruby, and Maggie, who were her primary recipe tasters. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity. www.burnsfuneral.com.