Barbara Turf Obituary

So sorry and sad to hear of Barbara's passing. She was such a beautiful person inside and outside! Sending our deepest condolence and love to the Turf family. Andrew, if you get a chance, could you please email us?
We miss you. Love always, the Swabb family

There wasn't anything you could not do. Always positive about life. We grew together as friends and parents. Our lives were made better, more interesting and fuller because of you. A better example of the beauty of life and all it offers does not exist. You were inspirational. You will be sorely missed. Jared and Robbie

What a beautiful picture of your dear Barbara! I'm very sorry for your loss. May you find a measure of peace through the prayers of all who loves you. May you ask Almighty God for directions to guide you thought this difficult time. I know you will miss her dearly.
Bellwood, IL

As a former employee of Crate & Barrel it is with deep sadness that an icon has left us. My prayers are with the Turf family. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the corporate offices in Northbrook. She was graceful, smart and the courage of a lion. She spoke to my group of new managers and gave us the confidence and support to lead our stores and staff with passion. I left my visit feeling inspired and extremely connected to a company I had given 14 years to. I always felt like I grew up at C&B and honed my skills as a manager. I will never forget her and wish eternal peace in her final resting place.

As a former employee of Crate & Barrel it is with deep sadness that an icon has left us. My prayers are with the Turf family. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the corporate offices in Northbrook. She was graceful, smart and the courage of a lion. She spoke to my group of new managers and gave us the confidence and support to lead our stores and staff with passion. I left my visit feeling inspired and extremely connected to a company I had given 14 years to. I always felt like I grew up at C&B and honed my skills as a manager. I will never forget her and wish eternal peace in her final resting place.

Hello,

I was a student of "Miss Dorini's" at Mater Christi. She was one of the toughest, yet outstanding instructors I have ever has. I will never forget her intelligence and beauty.

Her family is in my thoughts and prayers as you journey this difficult time.

I do not know all of you personally, I've known Barbara for a few years (equinox in highland park) and found her to be a remarkable woman! Her spirit, smile and love she had for life,family and friends always put a spot light to have everything in perspective .
My heart goes out to all of you! I'm deeply sorry for your loss, she will be missed and always be kept in our hearts!

Our deepest sympathies to the Turf family.

Turf family,

Our deepest condolences to your family. We are very sorry for your loss. Sending you our love.

Charles, Jess, Olivia & Charlotte Kerchner

Bob, Ryan, Andrew, and Annie,
My heart goes out to all of you!
I absolutely loved Barbara so
very much! She was the best
laugher in the world! And was so incredibly fun to be with.We had so
many spectacular times together personally and when
I was designing your wonderful
Winnetka home. I am so glad
she and I had lunch this year and caught up. I really loved her a lot
and send you my heartfelt condolences and much love!

Dear Turf and Glassburg families,
Let me introduce myself as an old friend of Judy Glassberg. I never met Barbara, but you have my deepest sympathies. Because Judy was so dear and lovely, I will send a contribution to the Pancreatic Initiative. I moved to Galena just as Judy passed away, and I missed her funeral at St. Pat's. Then Norman died as well. Judy's private banker at Chase introduced me to the Glassburgs and we became friends. I worked at the Chase Foundation. I will tell one story only. Judy came by my condo at the old Columbus Hospital. She was born there and we were renting the unit from a friend while we were building our home in Galena. She came with bread and prociutto from Conte Di Savoie. What fun we had. I took her to the 6th floor, where babies had been delivered. Maybe Barbara was also born there; I can't remember what she said.

Ok, one more story. She spent years following a very talented CPS teacher named Sharon Ponder. Judy was her self-appointed classroom aide. She was simply a wonderful person. Please pass this on to her daughter.
These women were truly wonderful and the world misses the likes of them.

Sincerely,
Joan Klaus
[email protected]

As a vendor to Crate & Barrel for twenty eight consecutive years, It was obvious that Barbara Turf was the creative genius behind what I consider (as well as many other industry leaders) the best retailer in this country through the 70's, 80's and into the 90's. Everybody in the industry followed Crate & Barrel. They were the one to watch, the one to follow under the leadership of Gordon Segal and Barbara Turf. Crate & Barrel put me in business in 1982 and was the biggest buyer of my designs for twenty eight years. I consider that my greatest achievement as a product designer.

She should be remembered for the remarkable impact she had on contemporary design in this country and around the world.

We had our differences in the last few years, but that in no way detracts from the achievements she achieved in her remarkable career.

My sincere condolences to her family,
Bret Bortner
Bret Bortner Design, Ltd.

My heart goes out to the family ! So very very sorry for your loss. Barb was a wonderful woman - someone to really look up to ! A role model to say the least. I worked at Crate for 8 years in IT. She was an inspiration to other women in business. I am truly so sorry for your loss - Maryanne Humphrey

Annie & Ryan,
Our hearts go out to you and your entire family on the loss of your Mom.
We are thinking of you and hope the pain of your loss eases with time.
Love, Laurie, Bob, Mike, Pat, Carolyn & Tyler Watson

Bob,
Although it's been so very long since we've spoken (NIU), you were always one of my favorite guys. I offer my sincerest condolences to you and your family. She must have been one helluva Lady. Although you must have a heavy heart, right now, consider the fact that you were able to spend so many years with your love. I wish you the best of luck & God Bless.

Gil Bogs (Whale)

Barbara will be missed by both her personal and professional friends. She touched the lives of many, and had close relationships to all. Being friends of Barbara's sister, Judy, we came to know Barbara as "Auntie Barb". She will remain in our hearts.
With deep condolences to her family,
Nancy and Richard Feldstein

The Board of Directors and staff of the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation extend their sincere condolences on your loss.