Barbara D. Carder

A visitation will be held at Marengo-Union Funeral Home on December 5 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on December 6 at 10:00 am at Marengo United Methodist Church in Marengo, IL.

Barbara was born on May 6, 1940 in Troy, NY to Cyrus and Sarah “Betsey” Dingman (Beebe). She grew up in the family home off Weatherwax Road with her sisters Betsey and Gretchen and also lifelong friend Carolyn Davis (Weiss). She often shared fond childhood memories of raising chickens and playing in the fields of wildflowers.

Barbara attended Russell Sage University, earning a degree in education. She started her career as a teacher and would later become a realtor and eventually a country club manager. In 1963, Barbara married Henry “Harry” Connell. They raised two children, Lisa and Patrick. The family moved to the Chicago suburbs in 1973, and Barbara remained in this area the rest of her life. In 2000, Barbara married Ernest “Jack” Carder. They settled in Marengo after retirement and spent 25 years together enjoying their garden and grandchildren. Barbara loved to knit, quilt and read. Creating items for her children and grandchildren was especially rewarding to her. Both Barbara and Jack were active members of the Marengo United Methodist Church. Barbara was a leader within the Women’s Club and Stephen Ministries. Barbara had a lifelong love of horses. From riding them as a young adult, to watching horse racing in her later years. Many of her birthday celebrations included a Kentucky Derby watch party, all while wearing her fancy hat. Her winning strategy was to select the winner based on the jockey and name of the horse. Barbara will most be remembered for her care for others. She had a way to naturally meet people where they were at and knew how to provide comfort and guidance. At any gathering, you would find her off to the side having a private heartfelt conversation with someone who needed it. She wanted to make sure everyone she came into contact with felt welcomed and valued.

Barbara is survived by her husband Jack, children Lisa (Jim) Marostica and Patrick (Mary) Connell, stepchildren Paige (Syd) Stratton and Blake (Becky) Carder. She is further survived by her grandchildren Emily, Nevin, Eva, Mackenzie, Matthew (Michaela), Riley, Dylan, Glenn (Mary), Emily (Sam), Andrew, Parker (Hayley), Matthew and Kevin (Hannah). Great grandchildren Mackenna, Jayce, Jordan, Joe, Tessa and Clara. Barbara has three special nieces Wendy, Karen and Hilary plus nephew Jason and lifelong friend Carolyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and granddaughter Ellen.

The family would like to thank her team of doctors at Northwestern Medicine and the caregivers at Journeycare Hospice.

Donations to the Barbara Carder Scholarship may be made to the Marengo Women's Club, c/o Judi Aldean, 9408 Voss Rd, Marengo, IL 60152, Memo line: Barbara Carder Scholarship.