With the soul of a ‘70s feminist, Barbara was proud of her independence. She enjoyed a thought-provoking discussion, but also treasured the comforts of her husband, her family as well as a glass of wine with many friends.
Barbara was born to John and Angelyn (nee Eichenbusch) Mersch, and raised in Chicago's Lincoln Square. This neighborhood upbringing propelled a lifelong thirst to explore new challenges while maintaining a welcoming home.
Throughout her life, Barbara looked to travel as a way to expand her horizons. Her adventures began with a move to San Francisco in her teens.
In the ‘60s, she returned to Chicago where she would marry, become a proud mother and discover a career in the travel industry in the ‘70s.
While working for Thomas Cook Travel, Barbara met her second husband, Ian Green, and married him in 1983. Until her final days, they shared a loving partnership that was always highlighted by new journeys. Together they relished regular trips to Europe and Mexico with friends, as well as destinations that couldn’t be found in guidebooks.
In the ‘90s, their excursions included regular visits to Saugatuck, MI. where they found a second home. Barbara cherished a “small town” life that was very different from her West Ridge Chicago home. For years, she enjoyed meeting people at the diner, attending Saugatuck fundraisers and discovering local farms.
As much as Barbara enjoyed travel, she was an incredibly dedicated mother. She made sure her son, Todd, was a part of every aspect of her life – from her travels to designating him as best man at her wedding, and including him in everything she did with friends. She taught him what’s important, how to love with a full heart and simply how to be a good person. She also liked to remind him, “I taught you how to tie your shoes.”
She especially loved her role as “Grandma Barb” in which she always provided the comforts of a loving home to her two granddaughters. An art project was always at the ready, and simple fun like finding blue stones in the backyard was a memorable part of many visits.
A visit to “Grandma Barb’s” almost always included a treat of homemade crepes. “Well, they have to have their crepes,” she explained.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Ian, son, Todd Karner (Julie Babetch) and two cherished granddaughters. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the YWCA of Evanston at ywca-ens.org.
A short graveside memorial will be held on Wednesday, January 6 at noon at St. Henry Cemetery, 1929 W. Devon Ave., Chicago. All COVID-19 mask and social distance precautions will be observed.
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