Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Barbara Maher Vrdolyak

Passed away on January 5, 2021


Barbara Maher Vrdolyak, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

Barbara grew up in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and attended St. Barnabas School and Hirsh High School. She met her husband of 56 years, Joseph Vrdolyak, while working at Charles A. Stevens where she sold slippers and caught Joe’s eye. He bought a dozen pair of slippers just so he could ask her for a date.

They were married in 1948 at St. Dorothy’s Church and made their home in Chicago, until Joe was transferred out of town in 1958. They continued to grow their family to eventually include five daughters. They returned to Chicago in 1966 and settled in the East Side neighborhood where Barb would go on to volunteer in numerous organizations. A long-time member of Lansing Country Club, Barbara was an avid golfer with an amazing record of having four holes-in-one. 

Barbara had a great Irish wit and a loving, playful spirit. She lived a large life filled with family and friends. She exuded class and charm and was always the bright light in the room.  Always an optimist, living by her motto “Remember the best. Forget the rest.”

Barbara is survived by her family Catherine Vrdolyak (Marilyn Barrett), Barbara Dorigan (Gary), Nancy Marijan (Dusan), Karen (Michael Keane) and Maribeth Vrdolyak; and 3 grandchildren: Alex Marijan, Katie Rouse (Ben), and Nick. 

Memorial Mass, Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 10:00 am DIRECTLY at St. Ann Church 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois 60409. Inurnment Holy Cross Cemetery. 

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to Restoration Ministries, Inc. (www.restorationministries.net).

Arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Chapel, Chicago.  For more information 773-731-2749 or www.elmwoodchapel.com

Funeral Mass:
St. Ann Church
3010 Ridge Road
Lansing, Illinois 60438
Saturday, January 16, 2021 - 10:00 am

Interment:
Holy Cross Cemetery
801 Michigan City Road
Calumet City, Illinois 60409

Visitation Location

St. Ann Church
3010 Ridge Road
Lansing, Illinois 60438

Condolences
"Mary Beth, Nancy, Karen, Barbara and Catherine, please accept my deepest sympathy at this time in your lives. Your Mom was a special lady, truly one of a kind. I’m so grateful for the fun times we shared. RIP pretty lady. Sincerely,"
- Jean Ferconio
January 10, 2021 12:31 pm

"Our sincere sympathy to Karen and all the Vrdolyak family on the passing of your mother Barbara. She always will stay as a wonderful memory of happy times and the love she had for everyone! May she Rest In Peace !"
- Amby & Margaret Minogue
January 13, 2021 11:12 am

Candles Lit
"Aunt Barb will live forever in our hearts! An inspiration and joy to all who knew her. May God hold her close to his heart!"
- Ed Underhill
January 9, 2021 11:42 am

"May you Rest In Peace."
- Bonnie fortier
January 15, 2021 12:06 pm