Barasa, Alison O'Hara 50, of Glenview, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20, 2013, of complications from breast cancer. In addition to her most treasured role as a mother and wife, Alison was proud to serve as Chairman of the Board of Follett Corporation, a family-owned company based in River Grove. Alison was a Follett family member, a member of the Company's board since 1999, and the first woman to be elected chairman in the Company's 140-year history. Alison was born May 9, 1963, in Oak Park. She graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School, and went on to receive a bachelor of arts from Colorado College, and a juris doctor from the University of Colorado Law School. Her life, outside the office, revolved around her family and kids. Her marriage to Jim and her children Amanda, Trevor and Tucker were her greatest joy and accomplishment. Alison's favorite place in the entire world was in Sandpoint, Idaho, where her brother John lives with his family, and where she would take no prisoners in card games. Alison loved every minute of life, whether it was hanging out with Amanda shopping, spring skiing in Idaho, or watching Trevor and Tucker ski for the first time. She also treasured the moments in Lake Geneva, where she enjoyed watching Amanda's tubing style with Gina, Sasa, Jimmy, cousins and friends and cuddling with her twin boys as they fell asleep on their boat. Alison O'Hara Barasa is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, Amanda 9, Trevor 3 and Tucker 3; her stepchildren, Gina 26, Eliza (Sasa) 24, and Jimmy 21; her mother, Ariel Follett O'Hara; her father, J. Philip O'Hara (Patricia); her siblings, Keith (Dena), Julie (Dennis White), and John (Amy); her cherished extended family including nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 24th, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., at Old Orchard Rd. Skokie, IL 60077. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 25th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove St., Glenview, IL 60025. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial contribution to the Follett Educational Foundation, 2233 West Street, River Grove, Illinois 60171-1817. Info, (847) 675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com.
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5 Entries
Dear Ariel, Rosalie sent me this from the Oak Leaves. Am so sorry to hear of this, especially leaving such young children. Thinking of you, and remembering our time as young mothers in OP. Much love, Sylvia from Spain
August 1, 2013
Ariel.. We just returned from vacation to find out
About Alison's death. We are so saddened.
All of the Sullivans send love and prayers to
The O'Hara family. Love, Jeanne
Jeanne Sullivan
July 28, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Petrina Bell
July 23, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with you.
Lynn
July 23, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I will miss Alison dearly. She was a wonderful person to work for. I especially loved the way she spoke so passionately about her family. I know she will be greatly missed.
Donna Kary
July 22, 2013
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