On December 9, 2025, Barbara Kennedy Abram, 97, of Downers Grove, Illinois, died quietly in the company of her loved ones. Her lengthy life was characterized by a strong commitment to helping her community, lifelong friendships, and loyalty to those she loved. Everyone who knew her will continue to be inspired by the generosity, tenacity, and faith she leaves behind.
Barbara was born in the Midwest, and her commitment to her family shaped her life. She raised children and maintained a warm, caring household during their devoted and long-lasting marriage. Her friends and family remember her as someone who always put the needs of others above her own, providing direction, support, and unwavering love.
Thomas (Marcia), James, and Jonathan (Peggy), Deb Crawford Abram, James’s ex-wife, and Megan Joiner (Jovan Joiner), David Abram (Mary O’Conner), Emily Abram, Sarah Abram, Ellen Abram (Ashley Nguyen), and Kate Abramsen (Erik Abramsen) are the children of Barbara. They all carry on her legacy, remembering her as a source of joy and knowledge as well as a matriarch.
Involvement in the community and enduring friendships also enhanced her life. Barbara’s kindness and giving affected many people, whether via volunteer work, religion, or neighborhood get-togethers. She left behind a large circle of loved ones who will miss her presence because of her respected ability to connect with people of all ages and cultures.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., St. Thomas the Apostle Church, located at 1500 Brookdale Road in Naperville, Illinois, will have a funeral mass. Barbara will be buried in a private funeral at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa, after the service.
As her family and friends gather to honor her memory, they celebrate not only her long life but the values she embodied—love, faith, and service. Barbara’s story is one of devotion and grace, and her memory will remain a guiding light for generations to come.