Barbara J Rapp

Barbara Jean Rapp nee/Zimmer passed away in Elgin, Illinois on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the age of 96. She was born on May 7, 1928 in Berwyn, Illinois and grew up in the Chicago area, primarily Maywood. She was preceded in death by her parents Albert C. and Josephine M. Zimmer nee/Carlsen, her beloved sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Edwin Spellman, many aunts, uncles and cousins and her great-granddaughter Caitlyn Woosley. She is survived by her daughters Cheryl (Dale) Woosley, Cyndi (Ken) Natzke, and Christi (Ed) Beckmann; her grandchildren Brandon (Christy) and Kevin (Eileen) Woosley, Lisa (Brian) Emm, Michelle (Michael) Cruser; her great-grandchildren Joshua and Zachary Woosley, Martin and Molly Woosley, Lauren, Allison and Meredith Emm and Dylan Cruser; nephews Edwin (Vicki), David (Adriana), and Michael (Julia) Spellman, niece Susan (Brian) Heiser and their families; and cousins Jim, Dick and Jane.

Barb graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1946. She worked as a homemaker for many years and later returned to the workforce in the insurance industry. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, and (for almost 40 years) quilting. Family and friends have been the recipients of her beautiful handiwork. In her final years she enjoyed the company of her beloved cat Cissy.

She loved babies and cats and Kurt Vonnegut, modern art and quilting and Scrabble, Frango mints and ice cream and giving sass. She loved sharing a good story – a book, or a show, or a movie – and she loved hearing about other people’s favorites. She took pleasure and enjoyment in her Colorado mountain adventures experiencing life in the Western United States. She celebrated good moments and delighted in the interests in the lives of those she loved. She kept herself open to new experiences and ideas. She was fiercely independent and always looked out for everyone else.

The family would like to thank Aperion Fox River of Elgin and Suncrest Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Barb in her final months.

In accordance with Barbara’s wishes the family will be holding a private day of remembrance in Burlington, Wisconsin at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Barbara’s honor to a charity or organization which is important to you. The family would be grateful for you to share your memories in the provided place below.