Barbara Marie Olhava

Barbara Marie (Wenzel) Olhava, age 77, died Thursday, October 31, 2019 in Cypress Assisted Living, a caring and loving home for seniors.  From her birth in Chicago, IL on January 16, 1942 to Paul and Mary Wenzel, throughout her years living in Cary, IL, until the day she died, Barbara shared her sweet smile and contagious laughter with all whom she came in contact.  Barbara married her life love, Kenneth Olhava, on October 19, 1963 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and enjoyed forty-five years of marriage together before his passing.  

Barbara lived a full life as a caring wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. She lovingly cared for her siblings growing up and is fondly remembered by her youngest sister as “always being there when I needed her, no matter what.” Her involvement in her children’s activities included Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, various sports, and too many school activities to list. She loved to cook, and was known for her beautifully decorated cakes. She enjoyed working with her knitting needles and crochet hooks, and outfitted many babies with her handmade sweaters. One of Barbara’s greatest joys was in welcoming each new grandchild into the family. She enjoyed spending time with them and made sure to spoil each one as only a grandmother could. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Left to honor and remember her love and devoted care for them are Barbara’s five children: Michael Olhava, Peggy (Ken) York, Christine Ablin, Cynthia (Richard) Semelsberger, and Debra (Jeffrey) Oliver; fourteen grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Jordan, Jacob, and Justin Olhava; Rebecca and Rachel York; Kenny, Kelly, and Kaden Semelsberger; Clark and Abigail Ablin; and Alexandra, Matthew, Kathryn, and Joshua Oliver, her brother, Paul Wenzel, and her sister, Constance Wenzel, and many nieces and nephews. 

Her death was preceded by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; and her sisters, Maryann and Patricia. 

The family will greet relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 concluding with a service at 7 p.m. at Kahle Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Cypress Assisted Living and Silverado Hospice Care for their attentiveness and loving care to Barbara during her final days. 

The family has designated the Dementia Society of America for memorial contributions. www.DementiaSociety.org/donate

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