Barbara DeBolt Obituary

Barbara Barackman DeBolt passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Falls Church, Virginia. She was 83 years old. Robert DeBolt, her devoted husband of more than 60 years, and their two children were at her side. She was the loving mother of Jeanie (James) Thomas and Peter DeBolt; proud grandmother of Ellie Thomas and Jay Thomas; and sister of the late Robert Barackman. Barbara was born in Harvey, IL, to Barry and Jean Barackman. She grew up in Chicago Heights and attended Bloom High School. Barbara then graduated from the University of Illinois in 1964. There she studied French and vocal music and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. After university, Barbara taught French at the elementary, middle, and high school levels for more than a decade. In 1990, she switched careers to work as a travel agent, specializing in European travel. She was known for organizing exceptionally curated and memorable group tours, particularly to France. Among her volunteer activities, Barbara supported women’s education as a 43-year member of the Philanthropic Education Organization (P.E.O.) Chapter JA, in Flossmoor, Illinois. She had a lifelong passion for classical music, especially opera, which she discovered while attending her first Lyric Opera of Chicago performance as a teenager. A season ticket holder, she never missed a performance. She also loved attending Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances whenever possible. Barbara and Bob enjoyed Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) performances so much that she served on the IPO Board for many years. Barbara served as an officer with the Flossmoor Chapter of Lyric Opera and as a Lyric Docent for over 30 years. She also sang with the Governor’s State University Chorale and took voice lessons with acclaimed soprano, Ann Perillo. Beyond her love of music, Barbara was an avid bridge player in her beloved bridge club for over 40 years. Barbara’s love of music and travel, kind spirit, and joyous nature were an encouragement to all and brought beauty and artistry into the lives and hearts of all who knew her. A Memorial Service will take place on July 19, 2025, with friends gathering from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago Heights, 900 Thomas St., Chicago Heights, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra at 377 Artists Walk, Park Forest, IL, 60466 or using this link: https://ipo-music.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n3p00000CcylkAAB for info or to sign guestbook, please visit heartlandmemorial.com or call 708-444-2266.