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Barbara Callans Obituary
Barbara Joy Callans, 71, enveloped in the great love so many had for her, was lifted by angels to be among them on Wednesday, April 29th. Barb was a lifelong resident of Will and Cook counties, born in Joliet a few years after WWII, she put the boom in baby boomer. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Glen and Glenna (McQuead) Meadows.
Barb loved life and lived it fully and fiercely on her own terms. Barb, or Sassy Barb as her online identity would indicate, was never one to shy away from a fight and she would tell you what she thought, because, you know, it's true (probably). She loved participating in her bowling and pool leagues, and she was pretty good at both, too! She would often hang out with her friends and you could tell how much joy it brought her. She was a lover of country music and was never afraid to dance, sometimes waking you up at 2am for a spin around the living room. Barb was a caring soul who worked for many years at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, then spent her later years as a part time paraprofessional for District 86 in Joliet.
She leaves behind two sons, Tim (Alice) Popovich of Plainfield, IL and Jeff Popovich of Palm Springs, CA. Barb also leaves two wonderful grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything, Timmer and Sophie Popovich. Barb also leaves behind her partner of several years, Randall Maull, two brothers; Glen (DeAnna) Meadows and Randy (Lorrie) Fox, and two sisters; Nancy Murray and Denise Dively, multiple nieces and nephews, and too many wonderful friends to count.
Barb cared a lot about her family and friends and would want everyone to be safe, so due to the current environment, we won't be holding a service until later in the year. We will be planning an epic celebration of Barb's life and will keep everyone posted on her Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please make a donation to Pink Heals Joliet, https://pinkhealsjoliet.org in Barb's memory. They helped her out and she was so grateful. She would be honored to know that more women and their families would be supported in her name..
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Callans
Randall Maull
April 30, 2024
It's been a whole 4 years now, seems so very long ago, but it really is not. Miss you Barb, may you rest in peace, Love, Randy.
Jeff
April 29, 2024
I miss you and think about you every single day! It's hard to believe it's been 4 years. I doubt there will be a day that goes by in the rest of my life that I don't think about you. Now the memories are bringing more smiles than tears, so I'm grateful for that and proud to refer to you and the lessons you taught me through life, now I just have to say "my mom always said...." I miss and love you!
Randall Maull
April 29, 2023
Was not all that long ago we were playing pool together, shopping together, doing everything together really. Three years have past now, and not a day goes by that I don't think of you, and try and imagine what you have found in heaven with your precious angels, dear Barbie.
Thanks for the times we did have, it will always be in my memory forever!
Lisa Lernatowicz
April 29, 2022
What an amazing person Barb was. I feel lucky that I got to know her. There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.
Randall Maull
April 29, 2022
Randall Maull
April 29, 2022
Randall Maull
April 29, 2022
We finally had your service, Barb, 2 years after that dreadful day, today. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful little ceremony, and the grave site is so very pretty, I placed one of your angels in the little crypt/bench, which is watching over your beautiful urn ( a very pretty shade of blue). On the right of the urn they placed your "Best Grandma" cocoa cup.
Special thanks to Jeff and the family for putting this fine remembrance and memorial (and luncheon afterwords) to her life together, today.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Jeff P
April 27, 2022
We will gather to celebrate your life this week, two years after you left us. We are grateful for our memories of you and will be sharing a lot of love that day. I hope you're tripping the light fantastic and enjoying the afterlife. We miss you!
Barb atop the lighthouse at Cana Island, Wisconsin
Randy Maull
April 29, 2021
A year ago, on a rainy day much like today, ( but much less blustery out there today) I lost my partner of 5 plus years, our dear "Sassy Barb": pool player, slots player, a spirited "granny-girl", affectionately known to her family as "Memaw", she was Barbara, Barb, (and even Barbie, to me).
A mom, sister, team-mate, co-worker and a friend to many in all walks of life (of whom I had the pleasure of being with in her final years, and sharing in all the activities, travels, adventures, as well).
We celebrate Barb today: a life lived as well as could be: never much looking back at the fails in life, all things considered, a happier life than many experience in their lifetimes, neither rich nor poor, but rather, a true Midwesterner-style life with all the joys and tribulations that brings.
May her sassiness and energy stay with us in our memories, bring smiles to our faces, when we think about her, throughout our days and months, as well.
We Love you Barbara Callans, and miss you !
Randall Maull
September 14, 2020
Today, Sept 15, is your Birthday, we were all hoping you would still be here with us but, sadly that is not the case, so, we celebrate your first Birthday in Heaven, as they say. Missing your presence today, dear Barbie!
Rest in eternal peace!
Your Loving Partner, Randy.
Randy Maull
August 5, 2020
It's been over 3 months now, not a day goes that you haven't been on my mind, missing you Barb!
Randall Maull
May 29, 2020
Barb, one month ago you left us behind, but know that you are not forgotten, and will always be remembered. Love you Barbara !
Barb Ellegood
May 4, 2020
I was fortunate to know and work with Barb at St Joes, will miss her very much. She cared deeply for her family and especially the grandchildren, we had good times. My condolences to family and Randall.
Lisa Lernatowicz
May 2, 2020
Barb I will really miss our lunch and coffee dates and all the good times we had. Miss you & love you ❤
Vicky Aguirre
May 2, 2020
Barb, I miss you so much I cant imagine going to the next class reunion without you. We had such a great time at the last one. Love ❤ you.
Jeff P.
May 2, 2020
I miss you, Mom. I hope you rest in peace and are having a good time, wherever you are! XO
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