Barbara LaSalle

BARBARA JEAN (TARABORI) LASALLE, 67 ROCKFORD - Barbara Jean LaSalle, of Rockford passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2015, surrounded by her amazing husband, Patrick, children, and their dog, Giorgio. Barbara Jean Tarabori was born Feb. 29, 1948, at Mother Cabrini Hospital on Chicago's west side. Surrounded by her loving parents, Albert and Diana (Marzotto) Tarabori; brother, James; sister, Denise; and extended family in Chicago and Mishawaka, Indiana, she spoke Italian before she spoke English. Earning academic honors as valedictorian of St. Michael Grammar School and St. Mary High School, she also served as Senior Class President and editor of the school newspaper. She majored in the teaching of English at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with high honors and earned her Master's in the Teaching of English from Rockford College. Barbara married F. Patrick LaSalle on Aug. 2, 1970, in Chicago. Ryan (Melissa) and their children, James Patrick and Emily, of Alexandria, VA; and Jordan of Chicago were the loves of her life. As a member of the Junior League, she served on boards and projects serving the community. She completed her 34 years as a classroom teacher at Harlem High School, Kinnikinnick School, and Hononegah High School, where she served as department head until she retired in 2005. She traveled to New England on a gift from department members and honors students to visit the homes and graves of the American literary giants she had grown to love. Her travels to Europe, western Asia, northern Africa and North America brought her and Patrick great joy. She was so grateful for family, friends, and former colleagues for their gifts of food, a cleaning service, walking partners, flowers, cards, Masses, calls and visits, making her feel loved and valued in her years of illness. Private family service will take place this week with a memorial celebration to follow in July. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Discovery Center Museum Education Fund, in memory of Barbara LaSalle, 711 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., Loves Park. To share a memory or condolence, please visit delehantyfh.com.