Mount Pleasant – Barbara Jo (nee: Filippone) Vanderleest passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of family on her 69 ^th birthday, early Saturday morning, June 10, 2023, following a 6-week battle with cancer.

Barbara was born in Racine, WI on June 10, 1954 to the late Joseph L. and Janis E. (nee: Rhodes) Filippone. She attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from JI Case High School in 1972. She went to earn her degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside in 1977. On September 10, 1977 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Barbara was united in marriage with the love of her life, Bernard "Bernie" Vanderleest.

Barbara was a longtime member of Racine Christian Reformed Church. With a great passion for children, Barbara taught the kindergarten class at Racine Christian School for 26 years, retiring in 2017. She loved spending time with her entire family, especially her granddaughters, Paige (age 9) and Zoey (age 7). She also enjoyed getting together with her closest friends.

Barbara enjoyed cooking and hosting family get togethers. She enjoyed walking, crossword puzzles, word games and crafting with friends. She also had a passion for decorating and caring for her household.

Surviving are her loving husband of 45 years, Bernie; their sons, Adam (Jamie) Vanderleest and Ryan (Sharen) Vanderleest; adored granddaughters, Paige & Zoey; sisters, Nancy Hansen, Cynthia (Eugene) Dougherty, Jennifer Filippone and Mary (William) Henderson; brother, David (Tricia) Filippone; sisters-in-law, Heather (Dennis) Jensen, Marcia (Al) Tinman and Kimberly (Don) Lloyd; nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students and many friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by Bernie's parents, Philip and Dorothy (nee: Reyenga) Vanderleest; and brother-in-law, Peter Hansen.

A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois Street, with Pastor Anson Veenstra officiating. Visitation will be in Racine Christian Reformed Church on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m.   Memorials to Racine Christian School, Racine Christian Reformed Church or to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the oncology nurses & physicians of Aurora – St. Luke's Medical Center, especially Dr. Abhay Jella & the 12 ^th floor team; and to Aurora at Home Hospice for the compassionate care & support given in Barbara's time of need. May God bless all of you!

Service Details

A service celebrating Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois Street, with Pastor Anson Veenstra officiating. Visitation will be in Racine Christian Reformed Church on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m.

You may witness the funeral via livestream by selecting the link below (for Racine Christian Reformed Church) on Saturday at 11:00 am:

https://www.racinecrc.org/videoservice.cfm

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