Susan Marie Barry

Susan M. Barry

October 31, 1951 - February 23, 2026

Loving daughter of the late Kevin and Alice Barry. Beloved wife of Thomas Vestal for 24 years. Devoted Stepmother of Amber Vestal, Grandmother of Katelyn Vestal. Loving sister to the late Kevin (Ann) Barry, Mary Jo (James) Guyette and Julie (Brian) Sheely. Fond sister-in law of Gary Vestal, Ron Vestal, Fred Earl, Joyce (Ray) Bibzak, Jackie (Larry) DePaoli, and Daniel (the late Linda) Vestal. Kind Aunt of Matthew (Kelly) Guyette, Drew (Megan) Guyette, the late Joshua Guyette, Katie (Chuck) Lofrano, Jeannine (Tim) Hopper, Pati (Mike) Dannemiller, Kevin Barry III, Christopher Bibzak, Sarah (Josh) Sontag, Amanda (Robert) Ramos, Angela (Steve) Van Order, the late Mariano Vestal, Lauren (Jon) Richmond, Samantha Sheely, Grant Sheely and Daniel Sheely. Great Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Sue was a graduate of St. Xavier University in Nursing and became an admired teacher and student advocate in the clinical nursing program. She later received a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Northern Illinois University and became credentialled as a trauma nurse specialist. She invested much of her career providing inpatient, emergency and trauma care but excelled in providing clinical education for the advancement of her fellow practitioners at Christ Medical Center.

Sue served in the United States Air Force Reserve for 17 years, attaining the rank of Major, was activated for duty during Desert Storm and was decorated for her contributions to the Nursing Profession during her service. She was passionate about nursing and worked to promote professional excellence in all levels of clinical care.

Sue was a lifelong parishioner and volunteer at St. Christina parish and in her community. She was proud to be involved with the Oak Lawn Lions Club. If there was a need, Sue was there.

Sue loved her family, her faith and her friends. Sue’s life was constantly evolving and blossomed when she met Tom. Their marriage was a new chapter that brought life and love to her world. Sue’s gift to our family and her friends was her protective spirit and willingness to always be supportive, without question; a genuine kind of love that touched each of us.

Services pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oak lawn Lions club, St. Christina Home bound meal program in care of Sr. Ann Vincent or charity of your choice.

Family and friends will gather Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:30 am at St. Christina Church, 3342 W. 111th St. Chicago, IL 60655 for a Memorial Mass for Susan.