Barbara Lynn Wendelin

Barbara Lynn Wendelin nee Moretto age 72 of Bartonville, Illinois passed away on April 2, 2024. Wife of 50 years to Gary Wendelin. Mother of Christopher (Jacqueline) Wendelin. Grandmother of Alexis, Chris, Matthew, and Emma Wendelin. Daughter of Donal and the late Dolores Moretto. Sister of Mark Moretto and Toni Moretto. Aunt to many nephews and great aunt to many great nieces and great nephews. Loyal to her friends and family, Barbara was the first to offer a helping hand or a listening ear. Her kindness knew no bounds – whether it was delivering a get-well basket to a neighbor’s porch or filling a kitchen full of food to entertain friends, she was always looking for ways to make those around her feel special. Barbara was small in stature, but her high heels and big heart made her seem larger than life.

Barbara, known affectionately as Mrs. Wendelin to her students, did more than just teach academic subjects like reading, math, and science, she inspired young people to enjoy learning, taught them to be generous to each other, and helped students find confidence in themselves. After graduating with honors from Bradley University, she started her career at Oak Grove Junior High School in 1973 and later moved to Illini Buffs Elementary School in 1975. She taught reading until she retired in 2010 concluding a 35 year career. Barbara was a passionate teacher who took pride in remembering students’ names long after they left her class and keeping in touch with them into their high school years and beyond. Her dedication positively impacted a generation of students. Anyone that spends time in the Bartonville area is sure to meet a person that lights up when they hear “Mrs. Wendelin” and will no doubt add, “She was my favorite teacher.”

Beyond her dedication to her profession, Barbara was dedicated to loving and supporting her family. Her and Gary’s love story began in fifth grade when Barbara moved to Mardel Manor and started at Monroe Grade School. The two met on the playground and would end up spending the next 62 years together. Barbara was her son's biggest fan - she cheered tirelessly at every childhood sporting event and later shared with pride his experiences as a high school English teacher.

Barbara sought ways to be creative. A lover of flowers and all things glitter, Barbara pushed the limits of what she could create. Crafts and hot glue, writing and painting, stained glass and styrofoam, baby's-breath and bows, she saw the world as a canvas and her creations made those around her smile. Barbara loved Halloween decorations and making elaborate costumes. She loved cooking food and cherished her extensive cookbook collection. She took pride in preserving favorite recipes from family and friends.

As a grandmother, Alexis, Chris, Matthew, and Emma called her “Baba.” Her uncanny ability to relate and connect to young people was clearest with her grandkids. She would joyfully sit on the floor, playing games and reading books, even if it meant enduring aches and pains. Love and laughs, there was never a dull moment when “Baba” came to visit.

Barbara Lynn Wendelin was fantastical, fiercely generous, and filled with empathy. She focused her life on caring for other people. She was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to so many. May her legacy of love and kindness continue to inspire those that knew her.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 2 – 4PM at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, with a memorial service to immediately follow. Chaplain Trevor Bartolomucci will officiate.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com