Barbara H. (Schmidt) McDermott

Barbara H. McDermott, 97, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on August 24, 2022. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Bernard Gerald, her parents, Joseph and Barbara, and siblings, Madeleine, Joseph, Kathleen, Charles and Agnes. She is beloved by her children Susan (Keith) Hall, Daniel, James and her grandsons, Shane and Michael. She also loved her many nieces and nephews. She was a freelance writer, assistant editor, teacher at Our Lady of the Ridge for 23 years, and a real estate agent for 13 years. She was very active in Our Lady of the Ridge and Incarnation parishes. She was a member of the Chicago Woman’s Club, Palos Heights Woman’s Club, Chicago Outdoor Art League, Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, and Friends of American Writers. As a minister of care with the “Sunshine Girls” of Our Lady of the Ridge, she visited the sick and homebound. After attending Northwestern University on a journalism scholarship, she landed her first job as a proof reader for an ad agency in the Wrigley Building. She met many clients with the Chicago Cubs and became a loyal fan for 80 years! Barbara was an explorer and seven time traveler to Europe. She loved playing Scrabble even into her nineties, with a one dollar bet on every game! The highlight of her life was memories made at the family lake house on Spring Lake in Michigan. She welcomed family and friends with excitement as everyone enjoyed scenic boat rides, glowing sunsets, and homemade blueberry peach pies. Barbara was a lifelong Catholic who devoted her life to Jesus, prayer and faith put into action. She wants to be remembered as “Loving God, Loving Family and Loving Friends”.

Visitation Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 3:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.  Funeral Wednesday, August 31st, starting with Chapel Prayers at 10:45 A.M. from the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, to St. Linus Catholic Church, 10300 Lawler Avenue, Oak Lawn, for an 11:30 A.M. Mass of the Christian Burial.  There will be a funeral luncheon immediately following the Funeral Mass (approximately 1 P.M.) at Barraco's Pizza, 3701 W. 95th Street, Evergreen Park. Interment will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.   In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Williams Syndrome Association (www.williams-syndrome.org) in honor of Shane Hall.  (708) 824-9000 or www.becvarfuneralhome.com

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