Barbara Ann Saunders

Barbara Ann Saunders, nee Shannon, Beloved wife of Richard E. Saunders, Loving mother of Eileen (Scott) Backman and Michelle (Joseph) Duffy and Mark (Tracey) Saunders and Corinne (Matthew) Miller and Patricia (Anthony) Donato and Colette (Michael) Hudson. Proud grandmother of twenty-one loving grandchildren - Emma (Colin) Backman-Meier, Katie, Megan, Brian, P.J., Lauren, Jake, , Kelsey (Lance) Estabrook, Brayden, Logan, Kara, Michael, Gianna, Alexa, Colette (William) Young, Jackson, Camryn, Gavin, Kyra, Maeve, Aerin, and great grandmother to two wonderful great grandchildren - Gracelyn and William, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Dear daughter of the late James and Margaret Shannon. Dear sister of Michael (Sandi) Shannon, Mary (Earl) Signer, James (the late Jane) Shannon and Patricia (Raymond) Hill. Barbara was a tenacious advocate for all her children but clearly for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Barbara graduated with Honors from Trinity HS as well as from Rosary College, now Dominican University where she studied to be a dietitian and master nutritionist. Barbara spent her entire career working for Good Samaritan Hospital and additionally for Alexian Brothers Hospital as a senior dietitian serving all patients and hospital staff. She was a very religious person as she was a minister of the cup and host for over twenty years both in church and home visitation. She lived her faith throughout. Outside her work life she volunteered at St. Dominic School and later was elected to their School Board where she was a long-time member. In 1971 she was humbly honored with being named the Woman of the Year by the parish CCW. Barbara strongly supported her son and all the girls in their sports endeavors that sought to empower young through engagement in sports. In addition, to her demanding career and extensive volunteer work, Barbara was an exceptional friend who nurtured many close, life-long relationships. Barbara loved her husband Richard, and they were a couple that personified a loving relationship. She was incredibly proud of her son and daughters all of whom have grown up to become strong, independent, educated adults and now have children of their own. Barbara’s legacy will live on through her loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and with them remembering hearing Barbara telling them - “I Love You a Bushel and A Peck and A Hug Around the Neck” Memorial Visitation Friday, August 26th, from 9:30am until time of mass 11:00am at Saint Dominic Church, 440 E. Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, Il.. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Organization of Joliet, Illinois. (https://www.alz.org/illinois). Arrangements by McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Bolingbrook, Il.

Barbara Ann Saunders

February 3, 1939 - August 18, 2022