Barbara Jane Schwarz

Born on January 28, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Barbara lived a life filled with love, faith, and dedication to family. She found great joy in spending time with her loved ones, whether it was going out to lunch, spending time shopping, decorating her house, browsing craft and antique fairs or playing bridge with her Carillon friends. She took special care in preserving cherished family memories through scrapbooking and loved getting pictures of her family. Her devotion extended beyond family as she actively served in her church community at Gurnee Community Church. Barbara was always willing to help her family and friends with anything they needed, always putting them first. She loved helping others and became the best cat “mom” to her daughter’s and neighbor’s cats in addition to her own fur babies, Maisie and Finley.

Barbara is remembered by her loving daughters Denise (Rob) Ruby and Diane Cleaver; her cherished granddaughter Brianna (Michael) Wentzell, great grandson Sean Wentzell, her brother Norman (Lou Jane) Gatford and nephew Lewis (Liz) Gatford and family, along with many dear friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen Schwarz; her parents, Frank and Olive Gatford; and her two sisters, Dorothy and Marjorie Gatford.

Friends and family will meet for visitation on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 am at Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee, Illinois. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 followed by a luncheon. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane World for Animals or Save-A-Pet in Grayslake, Illinois