Barbara Ann Fletcher

Barbara Ann Fletcher (née Drinka) lived a life of grace, devotion, and quiet strength. She was the heart of our family - steadfast, elegant, and endlessly generous. Born on May 27, 1934, in Waukegan, Illinois, from an early age, Barbara embodied resilience and kindness, qualities that would shape her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

In 1949, while frequenting the Academy Theatre in Waukegan to see the latest movies, Barbara met the love of her life, William “Bill” Fletcher. Their courtship began a 72-year marriage filled with laughter, partnership, and unwavering commitment. Together, they built a life rooted in family, raising three children, running Drinka Plumbing, and welcoming generations into Fletcher Apartments with open arms and hearts.

Barbara was the quiet force behind every success. She managed the books, the household, and the rhythms of daily life with grace and precision. Her door was always open, drinks and snacks ready, and her freezer was always stocked with ice cream for visiting grandchildren or a chilled glass for friends.

Barb enjoyed traveling with Bill, especially their annual winter trips to Puerto Rico, cruises with friends, and family vacations that always included laughter, stories, and a touch of mischief, usually at the casino. She was a woman of quiet faith, strong convictions, and a deep sense of duty to those she loved.

She is now reunited with Bill, her parents, her sisters, and many loved ones who went before her. We imagine her arriving with a warm smile and a platter of ham roll-ups, cheese, sausage, pickles, and Andes candies. I’m sure we can all picture the sparkle in her eye and upturn of her smile for Bill as she joyfully continues the legacy of love she built here on earth and helps him tell the punchline of his jokes.

Barbara is survived by her children Judy (Al) Zimmer of Gurnee, IL, William (Carie) Fletcher, and Joe (Diane) Fletcher of Kenosha, WI; grandchildren Becky (Kris) Kinahan, Joe Fletcher, Beth (Nick) Stevens, Artie (Kirsten) Fletcher, Barbie (Jim) Lennon, Billy (Andrea) Fletcher, and Leslie (David) Smith; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A visitation for Barbara will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Anastasia Parish, 624 Douglas Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085. A graveside service will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 1920 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048.