Barbara Joan Burns

Barbara Joan Burns, age 87, of Marengo, Illinois passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Barbara was born on October 20, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to George and Isabelle (Van Geertruy) Konkowski. She and her siblings, George and Diane, grew up in the city, where she graduated from Resurrection Catholic High School in 1955. Barb worked at Wrigley Field before moving on to Butcher's Union. She married the love of her life, Robert Burns, in 1958. In 1962, they moved to the suburb of Wood Dale, where they welcomed their four children, John, Joan, Jim and Jeanne. She enjoyed being a stay at home mom, helping with the PTA, teaching art classes at the school, and creating graduation banners (which she did for over 40 years). When her kids entered their teens, she began working at Protectoseal in Bensenville, doing data entry and office work. After 16 years there, she retired. In 2000, Bob and Barb moved to Marengo, where they enjoyed their retirement and spending time with their family.

Barbara was famous for her lasagna, nut cups, and her Easter lamb cakes (one with coconut, one without). She was a beautiful seamstress: sewing, crocheting, knitting and all kinds of crafting. She made special occasion dresses, crib sheets, and receiving blankets. She attended many of her grandchildrens' events, sporting events, concerts, recitals, plays and graduations. Barb loved crossword puzzles and Wheel-of-Fortune. She loved watching her Chicago teams (the Cubs and the Bears) on TV. She had many skills and hobbies, and she loved to share them with her family. She was a role model as a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Barbara will always be loved by her children Joan (Dan) Griesenauer, Jim (Patricia) Burns, Jeanne (Bob) Brown and daughter-in-law Kathy Burns; her grandchildren Danielle, Justine & Ryne; Jennifer & Karlee; Nick, Kyle, Ariel, Brandon & Stacey; Heather, Adler & Noah; her great-grandchildren Corynn, Cheyann, Chylnn, Calynnda, Gordon, Francis, Georgia & Charlotte; her sister Diane Meyer; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Robert Burns; her son John Burns; her parents George & Isabelle Konkowski; her brother George Konkowski.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara's name to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital.

A visitation for Barbara will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E Grant Hwy, Marengo, Illinois 60152. A continued visitation will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 323 N Taylor St, Marengo, Illinois 60152. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 323 N Taylor St, Marengo, Illinois 60152.