Barbara Lee Deigan

Barbara Lee Deigan, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at her home in Ivanhoe, IL. Barb was born on May 23, 1938, to Bill and Betty Bell in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a graduate of Carrick High School and attended Robert Morris College, graduating with an associate degree in business. As a young woman Barb liked to sew, play tennis, and bowl. She was particularly proud of competing as a member her high school’s synchronized swimming team. In 1960, Barbara met and married the great love of her life, William James Deigan. Bill and Barb were married on April 21, 1960, and welcomed son Gary Deigan in Pittsburgh in 1961. Following a move to Chicago, Illinois, they welcomed their second son, Geoffrey Deigan in 1962. Bill and Barb lived most of their married life in Schaumburg, Illinois, but also enjoyed time on their boat BaBiDe at their home in Dunedin, Florida, and spent their later years in Libertyville, IL, close to their sons and grandchildren. Barb would tell you her greatest accomplishment in life was raising her two sons. She was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and sister. An excellent homemaker, Barb also worked as a legal secretary, a medical secretary, and healthcare administrative assistant to help put her sons through their university educations. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and cross stitch, reading, baking desserts, and spending holidays with family. Barb was an excellent caregiver for her husband in the later years of his life. Barb was predeceased by her parents, William F. and Elizabeth (Shirley) Bell, and her husband, William J. Deigan in 2006. Barb is survived by two sisters, Beverly Brown and Beth Ann Bell, sons Gary Deigan (Michele Brady) and Geoff Deigan (Rosalyn), grandchildren Patrick (Lyndsey), Brianna and Caitlin Deigan, and great-grandson Bryn - her second great-grandchild due in January. Barb spent her last years in the comfort and care of Gary and Michele, who provided an exceptional quality of life for Barb when she needed it the most. She is loved, she is missed, and she is lasting. Rest in Peace Private interment service will be held at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Barbara Lee Deigan

May 23, 1938 - August 9, 2023