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Barbara Hames Obituary

Hames, Barbara L. Beloved mother of Gabrielle (Tim) Diedrich; cherished grandmother of Madelaine and Benjamin Diedrich; Devoted daughter of the late Bud and Babe Hames; Dear sister of the late Bob (Donna) Hames; Fond niece of Fred (Marianna) Hames; Dear Aunt and Cousin of many. Dealer operator of the former Hames Oldsmobile Dealership in Palos Hills, IL. Founding member and current board member of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society, Belgium, Wisconsin. Served as Cultural Attache Officer for the Honorary Consulate of Luxembourg in Chicago, serving Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. A life long Chicago White Sox fan. Visitation Wednesday, 3-9 PM. Funeral Thursday, December 1, 2011, Chapel Prayers 9:15 AM from the Schmaedeke Funeral Home, 10701 S. Harlem Ave, Worth to St. James at Sag Bridge Church, 10600 S. Archer Ave, Lemont, IL. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Carmelite Monastery, 949 River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016, appreciated. Info 708-448-6000.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Nov. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Hames

Not sure what to say?





Tom Mattas

December 25, 2024

Tremendous lady. I´m heart broken. Joyous and beautiful! You are missed. Prayers sent

Joseph Cummings MD

November 23, 2024

13 years now since you left us. It really feels like yesterday. I miss you as much as ever. I think about you every day. The world has never been the same without you.

Joseph Cummings

November 23, 2023

Twelve years later and I still miss you as much as ever. I pray for you every day of my life. You were so very special.

Willow Shaddock

November 24, 2021

It is impossible to believe it has been 10 years. I still think of your mom, Gabi. She was such a huge presence and so enthusiastic about her family. Wishing you so much peace during this season of Thanksgiving.

Willow Shaddock

November 27, 2019

Gabi - Though it has been several years, I still often think of how close you & your mom (and your grandma) were. What a gift & blessing to have that to pass to your own kids and their kids. Wishing you peace. Willow

Mike McGinnis

November 27, 2012

Barbie, one year later, it is still hard to believe that the Angels have taken you home to Our Lord! I think about you every day and remember all the great times that we had together, especially at your holiday get togethers. You always made me feel welcome and like a member of the Hames Family. I really miss your tremendous insight and perspective on life coupled with that uniquely humorous quick wit. And nobody ever had more energy or drive than you! Now you, Bob, Babe, and Bud are all together again and rejoicing in the Eternal Celebration that is called Heaven. I know that you will always be watching over your beloved Gabrielle and grandchildren, as well as, the rest of us. So Barbie, till we meet again, may you rest in Eternal Peace. Love and miss you forever, Mikey (your other little brother).

Gary Petrella

December 22, 2011

I was deeply saddened to learn of Barbara's passing. She was an exceptional woman with a unique zest for life. She faced her illness with courage and maintained her keen sense of humor even on the darkest days. She was indeed a beautiful individual in every sense of the word. I will forever remember her beautiful smile, warm personality, and quick wit. My sincere sympathy and warm thoughts are extended to Gabrielle and the entire Hames family.

Anthem and Cynthia Blanchard

December 7, 2011

We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Ms. Barbara Hames. Our deepest thoughts are with Gabrielle, Tim and her entire family during this trying time.

Susan Arl

December 5, 2011

I was saddened to hear of Barbara's death. We became friends at McAuley and I have many wonderful memories from those years. Who could forget her stellar smile and that wicked, wicked sense of humor. Crack open the champagne and toast a woman who really loved life.

Beautiful Barbara

Harriet Breest

December 4, 2011

Harriet Breest

December 4, 2011

Barbara McMahon Alderfer

December 2, 2011

Barbara and I were childhood friends. We lived on the same block,Washtenaw Ave., in Chicago. We spent many happy hours playing at each others homes, and attending birthday parties for each other. She was the year behind me at St. Thomas More and McAuley High ,and I haven't seen her since those days. I will always remember her great smile and kindness as a child which I know went with her as an adult. She was a great girl! My sympathy to all of you.

Renee

December 1, 2011

I read about Ms. Hames passing in the Lux Wort. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I am sorry for your loss. As a Luxembourger in the US it is important to maintain ones roots.

Guy MORIS

November 30, 2011

please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of Barbara who was proud of her luxembourgish roots, May she rest in peace.

Julie Ready Kay

November 30, 2011

Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother. Barbara was a good friend of my sister, Jane, and I remember her from as far back as high school. She and Jane had many adventures together, including a trip to Egypt. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out: friendly, generous, and a pleasure to know. May she rest in peace.

Jill Kammermeyer Hochstetler

November 30, 2011

Bob and I send our prayers and condolences to Gabrielle (a daughter who made her mother very proud) and family.
Barbara and I met in the late 60s as undergarduates at the University of Wisconsin and have shared many memories over the years. A toast to you precious friend, for an earth journey lived with grace and zest.

Marilyn A. Farmer, RN

November 30, 2011

Dear Gabrielle and children-
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy on the death of your mom, grandmother, and my friend and classmate from St. Thomas More. I was able to re-connect to your mom via phone early this year after many decades. I found her to still be that warm, funny person that I knew so long ago. She made me laugh, even in talking about the Ovarian Cancer with which she suffered . I shared with her how my 23 year old daughter died in 2004 of the same horrible disease, and told her that I would forever keep her in my prayers every night. I prayed for a miracle for my friend Barb.
When I saw your mom at our 50th Reunion,from the Class of 1961, I could hardly believe that she was battling cancer. She looked wonderful, and as beautiful as ever. She told me that the make-up hid alot----I told her that I wanted to find out what kind of make-up she used! She was able to bring smiles to the faces of all of her classmates, that night.
She is now high above us, an angel, who's keeping company with my Cait, both enjoying the Heavenly gift that the two of them so richly deserved. Please know that your mom was the BEST! I will miss her. God bless you and keep you strong. You and your family will be added to my nightly rosary. Take care, my dear, I heard so much about you, from your mom, she was so proud of you.

Sincerely,
Marilyn A. Farmer, RN
St. Thomas More Class of 1961

Maryann Hughes

November 30, 2011

Our sincere condolences to the Hames family on the loss of a real gem, Barbara.
The staff of the Luxembourg News of America.

Barbara Rusin

November 30, 2011

Dear Gaby,
No words can ease your pain now. I wish I can remember a card I read years ago, it helped me in the past and the thought was this:
Weep but a short time for your loved one as they pass this early realm. They have a joy now unknown to us left here to mourn -- they see the face of God.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Love, Aunt Barbara

Michael Davis

November 30, 2011

Dear Gabi,

I know how painful losing you Mom is but know that she will be forever in your mind. The love you shared will never go away. Think good thoughts and she'll always be there.

Mike Davis

Harriet Breest

November 29, 2011

Dear Gabby, family and friends,
I loved Barbara like a sister. We shared our children's weddings, my sons Bar Mitzvah, and many vacations. We talked about our children, grandchildren, pets and the men in our lives. I feel blessed that she was a part of my life, and she will be sadly missed by me and everyone who's life she touched. She was truly a great women with a joy for life.

Brad Johnson

November 29, 2011

Dear Hames Family,

My name is Brad Johnson a christian volunteer. I thought I would send my deepest condolences to the family for this great loss. I thought I would share a few important points to keep everyone positive in this trying time.

Many people believe that no one knows where our loved one goes after death but God's word the Bible is clear. The expression

Jackie & Andrew Fentiman

November 29, 2011

Dear Gab and Family. Andrew, Baba and I are deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Your dear Mom fought a brave battle, and we all know that your lives will be filled with a great void for a long time. We hope that all you treasured memories will help you during this very sad and difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences and our deepest love, Jackie

Mary Neville

November 29, 2011

In our freshman year at McAuley, Barbara was in my homeroom. She was a real doll in every way. Though I haven't seen her since high school, you can't forget a girl like Barb! She was a gem! My sincere condolences to the family.

shayna diamond

November 29, 2011

Dear Gabby, What a loss. Such a kind,good, and loving
friend to all that knew her. My prayers go out to you
and your family.

Jane Ready-Luckman

November 29, 2011

Barbara has been a friend for 49 years. She was smart, savvy and fun-loving. She worked hard and enjoyed life along the journey. She fought cancer valiantly until the very end. Good-bye, my dear friend. Rest in peace.

Joseph Cummings M.D.

November 29, 2011

I first met Barbie in the Nursery at Little Company of Mary Hospital in late September 1947. We came into the world together and we always wanted to live our lives to the fullest. She may have preceded me with her passing but I could never hope to accomplish all that she did in this world. She truly lived her life to the fullest and brought so much happiness to those of us who were blessed to know her. Her passing leaves us all with a profound void. Life will never be the same without her sweet smile, confident demeanor and remarkable ability to make everyone around her a better person for having known her. I want to extend my sincere condolence to Gabbi and the entire Hames family during this time of loss.

November 29, 2011

Dear Gabby, My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. There's no relationship more precious than that of a mother and daughter. You're in my prayers. Dixie Thomas, Purdue Telecom

Mary Lee & Gilly Croatt

November 29, 2011

Barbara, our Luxie Lady, you were great on earth, now you are the greatest in heaven. We miss you dearly. God bless.

November 29, 2011

With great sorrow, my sincere condolences to Gabi, her family, and all who knew her over the loss of this amazing and deeply-loved lady. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and in the future. Peace to all. - Willow Shaddock

Honorary Consulate of Luxembourg

November 29, 2011

When they talk about a life to celebrate, then surely they refer to our dear Barbara, for certainly she was a woman of great substance - beautiful, dedicated, charming and charismatic.
We will always be personally grateful for her contribution to the Consulate office in Chicago and never forget the many hours we shared together. We thank the Lord for the time He allowed Barbara to be with us, albeit not long enough. She has left her footprint in our hearts.
May her strength be with you , Gabbi, and your family at this time.
Gerda and Don

Christopher Swanson

November 29, 2011

Dear Hames Family, I am sorry to hear of this loss. Barbara was loved by all who met her and Beloved by her family. my sincerest condolences.
S. Christopher Swanson

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