Barbara Helen Rutowicz was born on February 26th, 1952 in Chicago to mother Ramulda Rutowicz (nee Macko) and father Peter Rutowicz. She was the youngest in her family, and the only one of her siblings born in the United States.  As a small child, she loved the social life and hustle and bustle of her neighborhood on Chestnut Street. She attended St. Boniface school from first to eighth grade, and for high school, she went to St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy, graduating in the class of 1970. She studied afterwards at Wilbur Wright College. She was passionate about athletics and excelled in swimming, ice skating, and volleyball as a young woman. Art captured her heart, and she was often found painting and crafting. She had a decades-long career in customer relations at Amtrak, and before that was a beloved bartender at local Chicago establishments. Everywhere Barbara worked, she made many close friends who lasted a lifetime. Her laughter was contagious. During her career with Amtrak, she was able to live in Pennsylvania for a few years, which brought her happiness and new experiences. Gardening, artwork, cooking and dining out with friends were her passions. She is the sister of Peter Rutowicz (late wife Helena Rutowicz), Janina Hilares (late husband John Hilares), and Richard Rutowicz (wife Ronna Zack). She is the Aunt to Rebecca Conroy, James Hilares, and Aneta Rutowicz, and Great-Aunt to Beatrix Conroy and Liam Conroy. May she rest in peace with the lord.