Barbara Ann "Barb" Willems

Barbara Ann Willems (née Golemo)
July 5, 1946 – October 31, 2025

Barbara Ann Willems, 79, of Port Charlotte, FL, and formerly of Chicago, IL, went to be with the Lord on October 31, 2025. She was the cherished daughter of the late Stanley and Lillian (Marlenga) Golemo, the loving wife of the late Edward Willems, the devoted mother of the late Lawrence ("Lonnie") Willems, and the beloved sister of the late Gerry, the late Robert (Marian), the late Johnny (Marcy), Mary (Jeff), and the late Laurie (the late Peter).

Born on July 5, 1946, Barbara grew up in Chicago, where she attended Transfiguration Elementary School and Amundsen High School.

She met the love of her life, the late Edward Willems, and they were married for nearly 50 years. Together they built a warm and welcoming home on Oconto in Chicago, surrounded by a close-knit community of friends and neighbors. In time, Barbara and Ed moved to Port Charlotte, Florida-her "paradise"-where they enjoyed the sunshine and formed many dear friendships.

Barbara also gave back to her community by volunteering for various charities, including serving with the CSO at the airport. She held positions in a variety of trades, including at a printing company, an optometrist's office, and as a census taker and interviewer, always bringing her curiosity and kindness to the people she met.

Barbara loved to travel and to learn. She and Ed explored many parts of the world together, creating memories on countless adventures. Even after Ed passed, Barbara continued to seek out new experiences and enjoy a good journey. Barb was inquisitive and never stopped-she was always
on the go. A true Chicagoan at heart, she was also a devoted fan of her team, the Chicago Bears.

Above all else, Barbara's greatest passion was her family. She was deeply involved in the lives of her nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, always cheering them on, showing up when she was needed, and making each one feel uniquely loved. She cherished her family and friends in Phillips, Wisconsin, and in Chicago, as well as the many friends who became like family over the years.

Barbara's vibrant spirit, quick wit, and boundless curiosity made every conversation with her memorable. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, heard, and truly cared for. Her energy, laughter, and love will live on in the many lives she touched. Those who love her take comfort in knowing she is reunited with Ed and Lonnie and held gently in God's care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on December 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Port Charlotte, Florida 33952, where family and friends will gather to share memories and honor the legacy of love she leaves behind. All who knew and loved Barbara are warmly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barb's memory may be made to: Meals on Wheels, 3082 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, mowofcc.org.