Barbara passed away peacefully with her cherished children by her side on Friday, June 9, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The evening before returning home from the ABC Bowling Nationals tournament, Barbara experienced a medical emergency. She was determined to stay with her family and courageously fought to do so.  God called Barbara home where she will be greeted by her loving husband, parents, sisters, family, and friends.  Barbara was a beautiful woman inside and out.  Her children couldn’t have asked for a more loving and supportive mother. She was a wonderful grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, in-law, niece, coach and so much more. Barbara was truly the best.

Preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Raymond Blazina; parents Jack and Irene (Wormley) Blalock; sisters Sonja (Jack) Cunniff, and Alice (late Tom) McDaniel. Survived by her loving daughters and son, Debbie Blazina, Suzie (Dave) Kairis, Stevie (Shannon) Blazina; grandchildren Wes (Tabitha), Raquel (Dan), Michael, Marcus, Austin, Ashley, Stephen; great grandchildren, Rylee, Brayden, Declan, Raelyn, Odin; sisters Patricia (late Jerry) Nantz, Jill (John) Jones; brothers Jack (Peggy) Blalock, Rick Blalock; adoring aunts, Crete (late Pat) Gallagher, Irene (late Art) Nelsen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born in Hinsdale, Illinois, Barbara loved all sports, especially bowling and softball.  She was a softball coach for Lyons-McCook Little League for over 40 years, a basketball coach for District 103, and retired Director of Recreation for the Village of Lyons.  Along with her husband, Barbara was a devoted volunteer to St. Hugh Catholic Church and was honored by the Archdiocese of Chicago with the Christifidelis award for service and dedication. When St. Hugh merged with St. Mary (Riverside) and Mater Christi (North Riverside), Barbara was welcomed and enjoyed practicing her faith with the parishioners.  Barbara passed with a heart full of love and wonderful memories of her family, friends, and all those who touched her life. She knew the true meaning of love, compassion, forgiveness, and charity. Barbara would be extremely grateful for the love, prayers, and support her family has received. Special thanks to her bowling team and the staff at Sunrise Hospital for their compassionate care.

Visitation 3 to 9pm on Thursday, June 22nd at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Chapel prayers 9am on Friday, June 23rd from the funeral home to St. Mary/Paul VI Church, 126 Herrick Rd., Riverside for a 10am Funeral Mass. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or Lyons-McCook Little League are greatly appreciated.

For further service information, please call Hallowell & James at 708-352-500.