Barbara Jean Galitz

It is with sadness we share the passing of Barbara Jean Galitz, who for over two decades strongly and successfully fought three types of cancer. Her strength in that battle was supported first and foremost by God and her loving family. Our family extends thanks to Drs. Barhamand and Dalal and their team including Karen, Debbie, Jan, and Orlando among others. Barbara was a resident of Naperville for 47 years. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio; and moved with her Dad, Mom, Sister, and Brother to Los Angeles after WWII. She received a Bachelor's Degree from UCLA where she met her loving husband of 62 years, Dick. Before settling here, they lived in five other states, but determined this city was the place to raise their family. They are the very proud parents of seven beautiful daughters: Anne (Steve) O'Mara, Cathy (Scot) Thomas, Mary (Jon) Stancik, Trish (Rich) Riffle, Karen (Carl) Bledsoe, Carol (Jeff) Gutke, and Pam (Mike) Cleff; along with nineteen wonderful grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Barb will join Thomas Leslie Galitz, her Parents Kit and Frank Cowdrey, Sister Andrea Ruth Carr, and Dick's Parents Evelyn and Herb Galitz, and Brother Gordon Galitz in Heaven for a glorious family reunion up there! Remaining behind, but still loving her are Brother Frank (Diane) Cowdrey, Brother-in-law Noel (Andi) Carr, Brothers Dave (Barbara) Galitz, Keith (Jan) Galitz, and Sister-in-law Caroline Galitz; and their extended families. Barbara's first focus was always on her family and friends. She was devoted to teaching and nurturing everyone, especially younger children. As her own children grew in age, she returned to college and earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University with Honors. She went to work for the Association for Individual Development focused on children with special needs. Barb volunteered as a Du Page County Court Appointed Special Advocate; and later volunteered at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter caring for dogs. One of the joys of Barb's life was to travel. That travel included local sightseeing trips, trips with the kids, trips with the grandkids, and overseas trips with just Dick and her. The two of them enjoyed traveling to different countries around the world, seeing historic places, and enjoying different cultures. Locally their favorite trips were the Grandkids' Railroad Adventures with two cousins plus Grandma and Grandpa. For their 60th Wedding Anniversary they took their seven daughters on an Amtrak trip to Santa Fe, NM, where they all celebrated that very special occasion! They also took special delight in visiting the US National Parks. During the Parks' 100th anniversary, they toured a large number out west where they enjoyed the natural scenery and special time they shared as a couple. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, C.A.S.A. of DuPage County, A.D.O.P.T., or your favorite charity in memory of Barb's love of people and animals. May her memory be a blessing to everyone. Visitation will be held at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville on Tuesday, September 7 at 4:00 until 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Barbara's life will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 2220 Lisson Rd., Naperville on Wednesday, September 8 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery and will be private. For information please call 630/355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com