Barbara Josephsen

Barbara Josephsen, aged 64, passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 12th, 1960, she lived a life marked by faithfulness and unwavering commitment to, and resolute trust in God. And with no less importance Barbara witnessed devoted love for her husband, family and friends. Loving kindness and compassion were genuine qualities of her character.
Barbara attended Seward Elementary School and St. Augustine High School. She attended the University of Illinois Circle Campus for a short time and then entered the workforce to start her career with companies which included Fred S. James (Insurance), Aon Reinsurance Agency, GNB Technologies, Tellabs and Veritiv/Unisource.
Barbara was known for her attention to detail, accuracy, professionalism, motivational skills, and most of all, her empathic leadership style.
Barbara courageously battled liver cancer for 18 months but passed peacefully in her sleep at home while under hospice care and the around-the-clock care and vigilance of her husband. Friends and relatives were able to visit her in her final days. Barbara and Jim were married for 29 years, with their last anniversary on August 25th, 2025. Barbara will be missed but never forgotten. She now sleeps with the children of God, awaiting the glorious day of the resurrection.
Barbara is survived by her husband Jim Josephsen; siblings, Eileen Martin, Crystal Carlson, Michael Banak and Geraldine Dominic; as well as in-laws, Richard (Cindy) Josephsen and Cindy (John) Rizzo; along with nephews Billy, Mark, Anthony and Matthew; and nieces, Susan, Margaret, Sarah, Emily, Becki, Niki, Amanda and Karen. And Barbara will be dearly missed by her BFF Virgen Dorrmann, along with a host of Church and Assembly friends and brethren.
Barbara is preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Lilian Lavoie, and father, Gerald Lee Russell.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, 435 North York Street, Elmhurst, and again on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Words of Remembrance will be shared at 11 a.m., followed by a Graveside Service at Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Elmhurst.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be written to St. Croix Hospice.
Arrangements in care of Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home. For information, (630) 834 – 1133.