Barbara R. Havrlant

1932-2012

Barbara Rose Persic arrived in the world on December 1, 1932, as our country was still recovering from the Great Depression. Named after both grandmothers, she and her brother, John, never knew while growing up that they were poor. Her parents, John and Sylvia Persic, filled their home with love, laughter, and humor.

Barbara lived in Berwyn, Illinois, until the day she married. After graduating from Nazareth Academy, a private school for girls, Barbara went to work in the Public Relations department of the Chicago Motor Club in downtown Chicago. It was here among educated and creative people that her latent talent for writing was ignited. She went to night school, read at least two books a week, and honed her vocabulary skills. She began writing articles for the motor club that were submitted to the then four metropolitan newspapers. This job was exciting for a 20-year-old girl from the suburbs. It enabled her to have lunch with movie stars, media people, TV celebrities, politicians, and a myriad of other deluxe perks.

In 1956, Barbara married Vladimir (Lad) Joseph Havrlant. Shortly after she married, she joined a local theater group called the Mantel Players, and soon began appearing in lead roles in many of their productions.

Lad and Barb settled in Cicero, Illinois. Two years later, their first daughter Barbara Jean arrived followed by her sister Ann in 1961 and Elizabeth in 1966. Barbara lived a happy "1950s" life... being a stay-at-home Mom until her youngest daughter was in high school. However, Barb's time was not spent only keeping house and cooking dinners. She became very active in her daughters’ school PTA, girl scouts, room mother, and writing and producing variety shows for the school and scouts. She also had a lucrative career as a studio card writer. Once she reentered the workforce, Barbara enjoyed managing a jewelry store, working in the mental health field, and working at a nursing home as an assistant to the activities director as well as writing their monthly newsletter. The best job however, was the last one before complete retirement. It was in a place where she was surrounded by her favorite creations of God, her life-long love-animals. She was a tour guide/narrator at the Brookfield Zoo and during her narration to the visitors on the tram, she was able to impart her love and compassion to the public while she tried to educate them on the importance of respecting all of life, and most certainly, innocent animals. She was a devoted daughter, taking care of and nursing both her parents through long, painful illnesses.

When asked what was the best thing she ever experienced in her life, Barb answered: motherhood. "I never knew it was possible to love another human being so deeply. I know every mother feels what I am about to say, but I think I have the most wonderful children in the world! Beautiful, smart, kind, successful, talented and giving, these three women are beyond belief in their 'goodness'."

After living in Cicero for 40 years, Barb decided to sell her home and moved into a beautiful townhouse in Romeoville. She enjoyed living alone and was never lonely. She traveled abroad frequently and visited many different countries. Where was her favorite place? She said she left her heart in Alaska

"Blessed is he who expects nothing for he shall not be disappointed," has been Barb's motto since she entered adulthood. In a 2004 interview for the family newsletter, Barb said, "I am happy to be able to tell all of my relatives and distant relatives how proud I am to be a part of such a strong, vigorous and spirited family as we are, and that I wish you all the very best. I wish I knew each and every one of you down to the bone. Just remember, beauty is everywhere when there's love in the family."

We cherish the wisdom and example of unconditional love she provided every day of our lives.

Barbara Rose Havrlant, nee Persic, age 79, beloved wife of the late Vladimir J. "Lad" Havrlant; loving mother of Barbara Reincke, Elizabeth (David) Anderson, and the late Ann (Robert) Anderson; cherished grandmother of Laura, Donna and Julie Reincke and Jarrett, Doran, Jennifer and Carolyn Anderson; dear sister of John (Barbara) Persic, Jr.; fond aunt, cousin and friend of many.

Visitation will be Friday 3:00 pm until time of funeral service at 8:00 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., (on Rt 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) Lisle, Illinois. For additional information, please call the funeral home at 630-964-9392.