January 23, 2020
Who is Barb Placek?
Wife, Sister, Aunt
Mother, Mom, Ma
Barb, Barbie, Barefoot Barb
Speed Racer, Teacher, Author, Friend
A strong and vibrant woman who, throughout her life, gave of herself, constantly helping those in need
During her life, Barb has been many things to many people:
Homemaker, Caregiver, Entrepreneur, Business owner, Teacher, Mentor, Director, Cantor
Barb was a valued and loved member of her community. She conducted Story Hour at the Stickney/Forest View library and was an active member of St. Pius X church and choir.
In the 70’s, Barb was an entrepreneur and innovator. While teaching exercise at Morton College, she couldn’t fully implement her vision, so she opened her own business in the St. Pius X church basement with the help of her family sporting leg warmers and company t-shirts. Barb’s Body Shop started with 5 clients and grew to over 100, changing many lives for the better with new ways to succeed finding a better life with exercise and nutrition. She educated clients how to eat better and showed them ways to have fun while exercising, including choreographing dance numbers to use in class.
Later, Barb went on to achieve Certification to be a Nursing Home Administrator, Activity Director, Alzheimer’s Unit Coordinator, and Consultant. As a Nursing Home Administrator and Alzheimer’s Unit Coordinator, Barb brought love and joy to residents and their families by sharing genuine care and compassion. She implemented thought provoking games and fun, educational presentations to enhance the quality of life for residents.
Barb went on to teach Aqua Aerobics at Bally’s Total Fitness, then LA Fitness for 15 years. Again, by using education, a positive attitude and fun, Barb helped countless people feel better about themselves and achieve healthy goals. She taught her classes by being in the water with her students and making sound effects to some of the moves she choreographed. She would “Ribbit” with the frog jump and “Naaayyy” with the Rocking Horse. Attending her class was a great experience. We saw her work people and saw how much fun they all had being a part of her positive energy.
Barb has always been a woman of great Faith. She has been a Catechism Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Cantor, Choir Member and Professional Singer for weddings. She has had the Mother Mary statue in all her gardens and Jesus in her Home and Heart.
The biggest Love in Barb's life was THE Love of her life, her husband, Ed. She adored him and he adored her. Everyone who knows them or saw them always said how much they were in love, all through their 52 years of marriage. Everyone wanted to be like them, especially when they danced. Barb and Ed won many disco dance competitions in the '70's and cut a rug at weddings and at home. They didn't care where they were or who was watching. They would dance in a restaurant if the perfect song was played. They were able to get through anything together as their love was, and always will be, immeasurably strong and true. Barb and Ed have two children, Ryan and Eddie, who, whether near or far, have been part of their strong bond. They welcomed their son-in-law, Rob McKenna, lovingly into their family in 2018.
Barb has touched not only all of our lives but has changed the lives of so many people for the better. She has Followed the Yellow Brick Road to Heaven to be reunited with her parents, shop with her In-Laws, hang out with family members and friends and probably has a dog with a very long leash.
We will Forever Miss You:
Wife, Mom, Sister, Auntie
BARBIE
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