Barbara June Damisch

Barbara June (Brines) Damisch, age 89, of Hampshire Illinois, left to join her Savior on December 6, 2023. We know she is reading this, perched in some armchair of a jewel tone only she would approve of, scribbling notes in the margins about corrections she would appreciate being printed in the next run. The last Damisch, for a while anyway, on Damisch Road.

Barb was born on June 7, 1934 in Chicago Illinois to George and Dora Brines. She attended Elgin Public schools - graduating from Elgin High School in 1952, and Elgin Community College in 1955. A dedicated servant at a young age, Barb was on the Board of the Elgin Council of Churches, and moderated a radio show “Meet the Churches” on WRMN. She married William McKelvey Damisch on June 1, 1956. A marriage, and professional partnership that would grow to serve their community for the next 47 years. A marriage that blessed her with 3 children, Kathryn Damisch-Parker (Jim Parker), William Damisch (Lea Damisch), and Thomas Damisch (Dorie Damisch); 10 grandchildren (Amanda, Maggie, Hallie, Caprisha, Seth, Robert, Shawney, CJ, Bryn, Rachel), and 16 great-grandchildren (Gabriel, Adelaide, Isaac, Charlotte, Judah, Georgina, McKelvey, Josephine, Henry, Vivian, Jeremiah, Valentine, Emery, Johnny, Emillia, and Elias).

A genealogist and amateur historian, Barb explored deep roots in both her family history and this nation’s history. She was a member of the Signal Hill Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution and served as a Board Member for eight years, and founding member of the Rutland Township Historical Society in 1993. The Eakin School still stands and is used today in Hampshire thanks to the efforts she led with the Historical Society. She also spent decades tracing and documenting her lineage in America, leaving many stones turned, and reams of records left behind. Records that many generations are sure to benefit from.

A citizen not a subject, her civic participation started early, spanned decades, and wasn’t to be trifled with. She had opinions, and she paid her dues. She proudly voted for Eisenhower when he ran for his second term, and did not miss a Republican primary or general election since she came of voting age. She served in the Elgin Republican Women’s club, and the League of Women Voters. She campaigned for Presidents (from Nixon to G.W. Bush), and countless circuit judges, township supervisors, and school board members. When she wasn’t campaigning, she was serving. Her service included elected positions in Rutland Township, and Board membership on the Kane County Zoning Board of Appeals and the Kane County Board of Review. Barb’s legacy is graced with her getting out the vote in every primary and general election between 1960 and the early 2000s, and earning votes in many elections in between. The world could do with more women who lived, voted and served as unapologetically as Barbara Damisch did.

Barb was a commanding figure in most circumstances but on the road, she brought a different level of effort. She was an absolutely terrifying driver. A story is only lore unless it has more than one source, and multiple sources have confirmed over the decades between 1970 and 2010, in Kane County, that a Buick or Chrysler of some sedan or van, was witnessed catching air, or burning brakes around a turn. Barb was going where she was headed, and you were either with her — clutching your seatbelt, writing a check, joining a board, scribbling a signature — or in her way. Many would leave a wake of destruction with that approach. Barb though, left mostly, a legacy of gratitude and respect.

Some of you called her Murgatroid McGullicuddy, others called her grandma, Mom, Barb, best friend, Mrs. Damisch, prayer warrior, and occasionally a thundering “Barbara!”, when Bill would bellow from a room over. We called her many things. We all wish we could call her now.

“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”. A fitting quote for Barb from her most beloved American author Mark Twain, who could have been writing about either Barb, or her treasured dog, Marmaduke (a teacup Chihuahua of a commanding 7 lbs). Barb and Marmaduke will be laid to rest on Dec 14, alongside Bill. The Memorial Reformed Washington Presbyterian Cemetery should prepare for both bellows and barks, as this consequential couple reunite after so many years.

Barb’s departure creates a void impossible to fill, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of service, determination, and unwavering commitment. As we bid adieu to this extraordinary soul, her spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts and lives of those she touched, a testament to a life lived with vigor, purpose, and profound impact. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Damisch, in 2003, and her son Thomas Damisch, in 2017, and her parents George and Dora Brines.

In honoring Barbara Damisch's lifelong commitment to her Savior Lord Jesus Christ, her funeral on December 14, 2023, will serve as a testament to her impactful legacy. Visitation is from 9:00 am - 11:00 am with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00 am at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gilberts, IL. For those willing to commemorate her memory, donations to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church would be deeply appreciated.