Barbara Ann (Goldyn) Leonard

Barbara Ann Leonard, age 79, of St. Charles, passed away suddenly Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

She was born July 30, 1941, in Chicago, the daughter of Matt and Lottie (Ulanski) Goldyn.

Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Barb helped run the family grocery store on Torrence Ave. She initially attended Alverno College then transferred to St. Joseph Rensselaer, where she earned a degree in education and met her husband, Tom. She and Tom were married for 54 years.

She taught 4th and 5th grade full-time for three years, and then while raising her family, Barb taught as a substitute teacher for grades K – 8 for over 20 years. She also volunteered many hours passing on her faith by teaching CCD and RCIA. 

Barb loved her grandchildren! She would send notes and cards through the mail with articles from anything about a new recipe to the release of a Harry Potter book or movie. One time, she re-gifted a puzzle because she couldn’t quite get Hedwig figured out and wanted her grandkids to give it a try. Every Christmas, when the grandkids would come for visits, Grandma would have a gingerbread house kit ready for assembly and decoration.

Crochet, which she learned from her mother, was a passion for Barb. There are many blankets in the family and homes of friends. 

She spent many hours in the kitchen. Everyone had their favorite cookie, which she’d make ahead of any family gathering. Family-recipe cheese and kraut pierogis from scratch, Louisiana crunch cake, and authentic kielbasa sausage with sour kraut were among her specialties. 

Barb enjoyed feeding the birds and working alongside Tom in their yard. Together they were meticulous. She became a certified master gardener through the University of Illinois Extension program in the class of 1999. She stayed in touch with her fellow master gardeners at their monthly lunch bunch get-togethers.

She is survived by her loving husband Thomas; children Karen (James) Saum of Dallas, TX, Craig of Huntley, IL, and Kathleen (Andrew) Turnbull of Hinsdale, IL; grandchildren Alison and Anne Saum, and Mackenzie, Sidney, and Jake Turnbull; and many other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm CT at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva, IL.

Funeral Mass for Barbara will be held Monday, March 8, at 11:00 am CT at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5N939 Meredith Road, Virgil, IL with Father Ariel Valencia celebrant. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery. To view a livestream of the funeral mass, please see this link: www.ssppvirgil.org.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required, and a limited number of people will be allowed in the funeral home. Family and friends will meet for a funeral service with limited seating capacity.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5N939 Meredith Road, Virgil, IL 60151 would be appreciated.

For more information, please call 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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