Barbara Purcell

Barbara Purcell, 86, of Monticello, passed away at 7:20 am, Saturday, September 10, 2022, at I U Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

She was born on March 15, 1936, in Wayzata, MN, to the late Wendall and Marguerite (Snyder) Rogers. On June 6, 1964, she married John Purcell in Wayzata.

Barb was a graduate of Wayzata High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in English from Rosary College in Illinois. Barb worked in administration for Illinois Bell and then as a hospital lab technician. While her three children were young, she was primarily a homemaker. She was then elected to the DuPage County Board where she served for 14 years. The final years serving as the vice chairman of the board. She and John retired to Monticello, IN.

Her local clubs consisted of the Mary Mixers, Home Ec Club and Kiwanis Club, attending meetings with John. Barbara enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, piano, banjo, contrabassoon, and harpsichord. She played music for Catholic Masses.

Above all this, Barbara loved playing musical instruments and singing with her partner/husband. Barbara and John made a professional CD, highlighting her musical talents. Earlier in life, Barbara performed in the Oak Park, IL, concert series where she was a featured performer along with Those Sweet Singing Purcell Boys.

She loved playing bridge and was an avid athlete, playing golf and tennis, snow skiing, water skiing, bowling, horseback riding and camping.

Always a Catholic, she has most recently attended both St. Joseph Catholic Church in Reynolds and Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Monticello.

In addition to her husband, John of Monticello, she is survived by her children, John David (Lynn) Purcell of Knoxville, TN; Carolyn Purcell of Chandler, AZ; and Mark (Barb) Purcell of Scottsdale, AZ; along with grandchildren, Sean and Cori Purcell of Knoxville, TN.

She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Ben Purcell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm EDT, Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church with Father Chris Miller officiating.

Burial will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL.

Memorial contributions may be given to the St. Joseph Catholic Church or Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with care.

Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com