Barbara J. Lamb

Barbara J. Lamb, 79 of Pekin, passed away at 11:36 pm, Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was born November 1, 1939 in Peoria, IL to Lars and Bessie (Reason) Hansen. She married John 'Dan' Lamb on September 5, 1960 in Washington, IL. He preceded her in death on January 7, 2015. Also preceding her in death are her parents; one brother and two sisters. Surviving are four daughters; Annette (Alan) Verpraet of Pekin, JoEllen (David) Fereira of Peoria, Celeste (Erik) Lowndes of Apex, NC and Jennifer (Loren) Heitzman of Mt. Auburn, IL; eight grandchildren, Cassie (Christopher) Koehler, Sean McGill, Amber(Eli) Chapman, Kristofer Heitzman, Josh(Randi) Hawley, Danielle Heitzman, Mason and Kayla Lowndes; five great grandchildren, Titan Hawley, Chloe & Caitie Koehler, Kolby and Kaeden Hutchison; one brother, Donald (Merry Kay) Hansen, and many nieces and nephews. Barbara was of the Methodist faith. Barbara lived in Washington, IL before moving to Normal, IL to attend the Mennonite School of Nursing. She graduated Nursing School on September 3, 1960 and married Dan on September 5, 1960. She worked at Pekin Memorial Hospital as a surgical nurse and in the emergency room later in her career during 2nd shift.As their family grew, Barbara knew a 2nd shift nursing job was interfering with her family. A change in careers led to her becoming a caregiver for many young families and their children. Knowing how to be frugal and make the most (and best) of what they had, Barbara learned how to bake wedding cakes - not only for her daughters, but for many nieces, nephews and a lot of other cherished families. During the 1970's, Barbara raised Toy Poodles. As an accomplished 4H gal, the skills she learned as a young teen served her well in a profitable hobby where she sewed, quilted and mended many clothing items. She made many banners for her church and made sure the NICU had items for babies through an active role in the early years of Threads of Love. As a band parent for 12 years, Barbara's sewing expertise and nursing experience served the band members well. Barbara made sure her girls learned from life lessons and would encourage or insist they 'get back up on the horse.' Often when visiting Barbara's mother, her daughters would ride the pony, and every now and they would get thrown off. While scared and shaken from the fall, Barbara made sure her girls would always enjoy horses as much as she did by having them make one final lap around the yard to calm their fears before putting the horse in the barn. This phrase and experience came to life many times which helped her girls learn and grow from their experiences. She also had a special bond with many of her nieces and nephews. They often sought and received her guidance too. Barbara had many special times with her grandchildren, one on one time and all of them, or as many of them together as possible. At Christmas time, they helped bake and decorate cookies and at Easter time, everyone enjoyed decorating eggs. They now have traditions they share with their families, or are waiting to share as their families grow. Her legacy will carry on through her daughters and their families. Memorial services will be at 3:00 PM Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin with Pastor Jeff Stark officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM prior to service.Private inurnment will be at Fondulac Cemetery, East Peoria at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and entire nursing staff at the home, whom not only provided excellent care to Barbara, but also genuine compassion to her family. Cemetery Fondulac Cemetery 1985 East Washington East Peoria,IL 61611 Memorial service Saturday, January 5, 2019 3:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Memorial Visitation Saturday, January 5, 2019 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554