Barbara M. Demith

On March 16, 2023, Barbara Marie Demith, a “Chicago Heights Girl Forever,” Bloom Class of 1958, left her earthly home to be reunited with her husband of 54 years, Thomas Demith, Bloom Class of 1955.Barbara was the first-born child of Tito and Bette Tarquinio (both deceased). 

Barbara was the loving mother of Tom, Bloom Class of 1979, and Jeff, Bloom Class of 1981.  Her two boys love sports and would run home from Roosevelt School every day, eat their PB and J, and hurriedly ran back out to play.  Barbara spent countless hours at Bloom High School in support of her boys’ teams and the entire Bloom High School Athletic Program.  Interesting to note, she was one of the original founders of the “Bloom Backers” Athletic Program.

Barb has four siblings, George, Norma, Mary, and Jean, who will miss her love and guidance. Barb was grandmother to the “best grandchildren ever born” Spenser, Kailyn, and Katy, and was mother-in-law to Jeff’s wife Maureen. Barb also leaves many Demith relatives who still reside in the area. Last, her two dogs Storm and Barney will miss her.  She thought them to be clever and funny.

Barbara owned Wise Buy Estate Sales for over 28 years. She loved working the sales, but more importantly, she valued all the friendships made along the way and cherished the memories.  She was known for “never turning down a Chicago Heights Sale.” She loved and cherished all the memories given and received at her sales.  You all gave her so much joy.  A special “shout out” to her friends from the Friday night auctions in Peotone.

Barb was loyal to friendships made from her school years especially those from the Bloom Class of 1958.

A special thank-you to Dr. Hamdan, Barb’s oncologist, for the wonderful care.  You and your staff at Riverside Medical made her day.  You gave her more than you will ever realize.

Per Barb’s instruction, there will be no services as she will be cremated and buried next to Tom at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Flossmoor, Illinois.

On behalf of Barb, “God bless all of you.  Live your hopes and dreams…make every day count.”  Finally, as Barb would say, “Have a nice day.”

Arrangements entrusted to Kerr-Parzygnot Funeral Home 540 Dixie Hwy. (at Joe Orr Road), Chicago Heights, IL 60411.  Info: (708) 754-0016.