Barbara Jo Williams

Obituary's Biography:

Barbara Jo McLaren Williams passed away on Sunday, February 9th, 2025.  Barbara was born April 4th, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the eldest of five, and the only daughter of Donald Robert McLaren and Ruth Annette Feley McLaren. Barbara was raised in Oak Park, IL where she attended Whittier Grammar School and Oak Park-River Forest High School. At OPRF, she played basketball, was a member of the cheerleading squad, and a soloist with the Girls Ensemble. She remained active in her class reunion committee for many years following her graduation, which kept her connected to her hometown.  While attending the University of Illinois, she was an active member and officer in the Alpha Phi sorority.  After graduating in 1963, she moved to Philadelphia. She landed a job working at WFIL FM radio station where Dick Clark was hosting the successful daily show American Bandstand.  Barbara moved back to Oak Park and then to Wheaton with her husband Mike Williams and began a family. Barbara was committed to the success of the architectural firm Williams/Pollock/Associates serving as a secretary and financial manager for many years. She enjoyed spending time in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with family and friends.

Barbara was known for her kindness, dedication, generosity, compassion, tenacity, and outgoing personality. She possessed an incredible memory of her past experiences, especially as it related to family history.  It was remarkable, as if you were stepping back in time or listening to a history professor. Barbara loved her family so immensely and never shied away from an opportunity to talk about their goals, triumphs, and successes. Barbara always cherished quality time with her children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. 

Barbara’s attention to detail and patience on tasks was amazing. She never met a dish that she could not make squeaky clean, or a pair of pants folded so crisp they could cut cake. Another one of her greatest joys was listening to music, she loved all kinds of music, but most recently she was a huge Jonas Brothers fan. She even attended several Jonas Brothers Concerts. Concerts and music always brought her insurmountable amounts of happiness and joy. If you needed a “pick me up”, she without fail had a song recommendation ready to boost your mood. She touched many people with her love, and her honor and spirit will continue to live on within her family. 

Barbara is survived by her two children Don (Alyssa) and Joanna (Phil Angelos), her grandchildren Dr. Chloe Williams (Andy McLean), Lindsay Williams (Billy Morris), Emma Williams (Nick Sobczak), Rylann Williams, Luke Angelos and great grandson Michael McLean.  She is also survived by her brothers Robert (Bonnie), Douglas (Terry), David, and Dan (Minerva) McLaren, along with many nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and great-nieces. 

Along with Barbara’s wishes, services will be limited to family.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hephzibah Children’s Association are welcome.  Donations can be made on their website: www.hephzibahhome.org/donate/, by phone (708) 649-7140, or by mail at 1144 Lake Street, 5th Floor, Oak Park, IL 60301. Please note your gift is in memory of Barbara McLaren Williams.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.