Barbara Prevendar

Barbara Prevendar of Crest Hill, Illinois passed away November 29, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona at the age of 74. She was born March 16, 1949 in Berwyn, Illinois to the late Frank and Luella Zielinski. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Michael Prevendar, sons Robert (Asha) Prevendar and Steve (Kim) Prevendar and five beloved grandchildren: Madison, Will, Steven, Milan, and Naina.

Barbara grew up in Stickney, Illinois surrounded by her extended family and friends. She graduated from Morton West High School in 1967. While attending Morton Jr. College in Cicero, Illinois, she worked as a candy striper and nurse’s aide. In 1970, she married Michael Prevendar and within a few years they had two sons: Robert and Steven. They bought their first home in 1974 and raised their boys there. In 1983, Barbara completed her nursing degree at the College of DuPage, and fulfilled her dream of becoming a registered nurse. For the next 17 years, she worked in nephrology and managed a dialysis center in Downers Grove, Illinois. The family enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Antioch, Illinois. They would spend their time fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and enjoying each other’s company. In 2000, Barbara and Michael retired to enjoy travel, golf, playing cards, and time with friends. Barbara loved to watch nature cams, especially explorer.org and the bear cams in her free time. They especially enjoyed spending their retirement with their grandchildren. In 2005, they bought a house in Goodyear, Arizona and became “snowbirds” splitting their time between Illinois and Arizona.

Barbara was a fun-loving grandmother whose greatest accomplishment (aside from her nursing degree) was her grandchildren. She was known as a supportive and wonderful friend who had so much love to give. She was a sweet and sincere lady whose passing leaves a great hole in our world.

A visitation will be held at 9am, Monday, December 4 at Thompson Funeral. The scripture service will begin at 12pm.

Services in Illinois are being planned for a later date.