Barbara Sedelmaier Obituary

Sedelmaier, Barbara Jean 80, died peacefully and in the presence of her adoring family on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. Barbara was the beloved wife of 47 years and best friend to Joe Sedelmaier; devoted mother of Rachel McElroy (Jeff), Adam Sedelmaier (Anna) and stepmother of J.J. Sedelmaier (Patrice); proud grandmother of Chloe, Matthew, Logan, Hannah, and Gavin; Loving aunt to Lee (Brigitte), Neal (Gayle), and Craig (Nancy). Preceded in death by parents, Nathan H. Frank and Lillian Frank (nee Sadol); stepmother, Jean Frank, and sister, Edna (Bernard) Katz; greataunt and cousin to many. A life-long Chicagoan, after graduating from Hirsch High School, Barbara went on to earn her B.A. in Journalism from The University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana. Upon return to Chicago, Barbara worked at the Conrad Hilton, followed by the advertising agencies McCann Erickson and Young and Rubicam, where in 1958 she met Joe. Barbara's contributions to charity were many and varied. In 2008 she received the Lincoln Park Zoo 20-Year Volunteer Service Award in recognition of her dedication. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Smile Train: 1.800.932.9541, www.smiletrain.org, or to UNICEF, 1.800.367.5437 www.unicefusa.org. A memorial service will be held in the future with details to follow. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.