Service Details
A service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois Street, with Pastor Anson Veenstra officiating. Visitation will be in Racine Christian Reformed Church on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m.
You may witness the funeral via livestream by selecting the link below (for Racine Christian Reformed Church) on Saturday at 11:00 am:
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Memorials to Racine Christian School, Racine Christian Reformed Church or to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.
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Mount Pleasant – Barbara Jo (nee: Filippone) Vanderleest passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of family on her 69th birthday, early Saturday morning, June 10, 2023, following a 6-week battle with cancer.
Barbara was born in Racine, WI on June 10, 1954 to the late Joseph L. and Janis E. (nee: Rhodes) Filippone. She attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from JI Case High School in 1972. She went to earn her degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside in 1977. On September 10, 1977 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Barbara was united in marriage with the love of her life, Bernard “Bernie” Vanderleest.
Barbara was a longtime member of Racine Christian Reformed Church. With a great passion for children, Barbara taught the kindergarten class at Racine Christian School for 26 years, retiring in 2017. She loved spending time with her entire family, especially her granddaughters, Paige (age 9) and Zoey (age 7). She also enjoyed getting together with her closest friends.
Barbara enjoyed cooking and hosting family get togethers. She enjoyed walking, crossword puzzles, word games and crafting with friends. She also had a passion for decorating and caring for her household.
Surviving are her loving husband of 45 years, Bernie; their sons, Adam (Jamie) Vanderleest and Ryan (Sharen) Vanderleest; adored granddaughters, Paige & Zoey; sisters, Nancy Hansen, Cynthia (Eugene) Dougherty, Jennifer Filippone and Mary (William) Henderson; brother, David (Tricia) Filippone; sisters-in-law, Heather (Dennis) Jensen, Marcia (Al) Tinman and Kimberly (Don) Lloyd; nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students and many friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by Bernie’s parents, Philip and Dorothy (nee: Reyenga) Vanderleest; and brother-in-law, Peter Hansen.
A service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois Street, with Pastor Anson Veenstra officiating. Visitation will be in Racine Christian Reformed Church on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. Memorials to Racine Christian School, Racine Christian Reformed Church or to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the oncology nurses & physicians of Aurora – St. Luke’s Medical Center, especially Dr. Abhay Jella & the 12th floor team; and to Aurora at Home Hospice for the compassionate care & support given in Barbara’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Aunt Lucy Filippone says
My heart is filled with sadness in the death of my niece Barbara. She was Grandma Filippone’s first grandchild & will live in my heart along with my lost children. God gives and God takes away. She will always be in my heart. Love, Aunt Lucy
John and Mary Bedford says
Our deepest condolences to Adam and Jamie and the ENTIRE Vanderleest family. We pray that God will place his arms around you and help you through this very difficult time. You certainly are feeling the pain of your loss, but there were many great times you have to remember what a great person Barb was and how much she loved her family. We send you love, we pray that your hearts are touched in a special way, now and forever.
Mary and John Bedford
Twinsburg, OH 44087
Cherri Chambliss says
My sincere condolences to the Vanderleest family. My God give you peace
Aunt Lucy Filippone says
My heart is saddened by Barbara’s death. God Gives and God takes it away. May God give us the strength to goon & hopefully some day we will all be together. Love, Aunt Lucy
Shera Duket says
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. Praying that God surrounds your family with His abundant peace, love, and comfort during this difficult time. And may the tears of grief be mixed with tears of joy as you reminisce and recall many wonderful memories you have of Barb. With my deepest condolences, Shera
Jim & Kim Yoghourtjian says
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Vanderleest. She was our daughter’s kindergarten teacher. She was a wonderful, fun teacher who make learning a joyful experience. We are very grateful that Mrs. Vanderleest made our daughter’s first experience with school a great experience which she carried with her throughout her school years. We offer our sincere sympathy to her family.
Andy Toth says
Bernie, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I’ll be out of town on the 17th, but please know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. My most heartfelt condolences.
John Knudsen says
Bernie. Sorry your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Jay Rhodes & Sandi Swenson says
Our deepest condolences for the entire family and friends of Barb. In true Rhodes fashion I’m certain there will be many laughs, stories and tears as you remember the wonderful life that Barb lived.
Jordan Bouikidis says
I had the pleasure of being one of Mrs. Vanderleest’s kindergarten students. She has remained one of my favorite teachers to this day. It wasn’t so long ago, but I can remember her doing an admirable job of dealing with my temperament and half Greek half English vocabulary. Do not be sad that the Lord has taken her home with Him, but that He graced all our lives with her presence, no matter in what small way. My condolences and prayers to her family, friends, and all who will rightly miss her in this life.
Cheryl (Bernhardt) Mersch says
I was shocked to learn recently of my dear high school friends’ passing. Barb and I graduated from J. I. Case High School in 1972 and she was an attendant at my wedding in 1977. We had many moments of laughter and celebration. She had a beautiful smile and stunning auburn hair. Her ambitious and dynamic personality inspired me to seek a college education. We lost track of one another as I haven’t lived in Racine for over thirty years. I will keep Barb and her family in my prayers and hold the memories of our friendship forever in my heart. God has another angel in heaven.