- State: Illinois
With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of Barbara Jean Murphy Deri, 61, of Diamond Lake after a valiantly-fought battle with brain cancer. She passed peacefully surrounded by her family. A beloved, loyal, supportive, and thoughtful wife to late husband Peter, Barb was also a proud, invariably-loving, and devoted mother to Chris (Haley), Alli (Richie) and honorary son Adam, as well as the warmest matriarch to far too many furry, four-legged family members to name. Barb filled many other important roles in the lives of her loved ones: she will be remembered as the adoring daughter of the late George and Helen Murphy; the cherished sister to the late George (Jill) Murphy, Mary Beth (Bob) Mikelson, John (Vicky) Murphy, Susan (Seamus) Reid, Patty (Terry) McTague, and Peggy (Adam) Luchowski; an endearing daughter-in-law to Joan and the late Mario Deri; a caring sister-in-law to Melinda (Tom) Wolf, Debbie (Larry) Kemnetz, and Lisa (Scott) Reese; and doting aunt to Theresa and Rebecca Murphy; Kristin (David) and Erick Mikelson; Sara, Bridget, Katie and Colleen Murphy; Siobhan (Mike), Fiona, and Seamus Reid; Sean, Brian, and Eileen McTague; Megan and Wendy Luchowski; Erin and Caitlin Wolf; Jennifer, Emily (Denny), and Matthew Kemnetz; and Elizabeth and Vanessa Reese.
Barbara grew up in Chicago and attended Sullivan High School and furthered her education at Loyola College. She enjoyed all things outdoors like being in the water, working in her garden, and most of all, being surrounded by her cherished family (two and four-legged) and friends. She relished in her successful career as a dental hygienist and was one of the lucky few who truly loved her profession and those she worked with. She was particularly fond of her days working with special-needs patients in a variety of settings.
Barb’s zest for life and her ability to make each and every person around her feel special, important, and whole-heartedly loved was truly unmatched. She will be forever missed. To know her was to love her, and what a privilege that was.
