Barbara A. Zapszalka

Barbara (Olson) Zapszalka, 83, of Sugar Grove, passed away peacefully at home with sister, Marian and caregiver, Christabell, in attendance. She was born November 26, 1942 in Chicago, IL.

She was a current member of St. Katharine Drexel in Sugar Grove, IL. In her childhood she was a member of St. Benedict in Chicago and during her marriage she was a member of St. Athanasius (now St. John Henry Newman) in Evanston for 50 years as well as a lector for 20 years.

She graduated from DePaul University Summa Cum Laude in 1964 with a B.S. followed by Rosary College in 1975 with a M.A. in Library Science and Loyola University in 1982 with a M.B.A.

A lifelong teacher Barbara taught at Mother Seton HS, Notre Dame HS for girls, Regina Dominican HS and librarian, and librarian at St. Francis Hospital.

Married the love of her life in 1965 and enjoyed 52 years of married life before his passing in 2017.

She engaged in lifelong learning, had a passion for gardening, loved to read, and was dearly devoted to all things "family" especially her sisters and grand nephews. Wrote and published four books about herself and family members.

Barbara is preceded in death by husband, Jerry Zapszalka; parents, Victor and Mildred (Riley) Olson; brother, William and sister, Geraldine May

She is survived by sister Marian (late Mark) Jacob; nieces, Julie (Mark) Weissmann and Donna (Jeffery) Beckert; nephew, Brian May (Sharon) and grand nephews, Brandon and Justin Weissmann and Jeffery and Joshua Beckert.

Greatly acknowledge and thank Barbara's Hospice team from Residential Hospice including her entire team of Marla, Ashley, Chaplain Tom, Stacy, Morgan, and Dawn as well as Deacon Tom and Desiree from St Katharine Drexel Church and her faithful caregiver, Christabell. Their care and support have been immeasurable during Barbara's illness.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 10 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass, 11 AM at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8S055 Dugan Road, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, River Grove, IL at a later date.

Barbara supported many charities – too numerous to mention. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Katharine Drexel or St. Benedict Preparatory Schools appreciated.