Barbara lived with quiet devotion and steady purpose, grounding her days in faith and the simple, enduring values that shaped a life well lived. A devout Christian, she found strength and fellowship in attending church and participating in Bible studies, carrying her beliefs with sincerity and constancy.
After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, Barbara was employed by Reynolds Aluminum Foil (Alcoa) for her entire career, retiring after many years of faithful service—work marked by reliability, commitment, and pride in doing things well.
In 1954, Barbara married Kenneth D. Kaleta in Chicago. He preceded her in death in 2017.
Barbara’s care extended beyond her own home, reflected in her deep compassion for animals and her belief in supporting causes dedicated to their wellbeing. She also took pleasure in the comforts of everyday life—cooking, yard-work, and, most of all, spending time with her family.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Erin Pearson-Fang (Michael Fang) of Mount Prospect and Kimberly Kaleta-Klein (Larry Klein) of Maryland; her granddaughter, Dannielle Kaleta Pearson of Melbourne, Australia; and her brother, Keith Bokina (Margaret) of St. Charles, IL.
Private family ceremonies will be held.
