Barbara MacLean, 79

Barbara J. MacLean nee Betty (Tyksinski). Age 79 of Park Ridge, passed away February 4, 2015. Born on September 2, 1935 in Oak Park, IL. to Aimee MacLean Betty and James Betty. Graduate of Oak Park River Forest high school and Northwestern University with a degree in History. Barbara’s life was defined by her devotion to causes of equality and justice. She was a staunch guardian of women, which took her to the front lines of the feminist movement. In a time when women had little or no voice, she stood up and yelled. She enjoyed a healthy debate and never shied away from the opportunity to defend the underdog. Always politically active, she spoke out against prejudices of any kind. She never wavered from her philosophies. Her opinions were never left silent and her belief system and values left a positive impression on many of the lives she touched. Her home was always open and welcoming to all. Barbara was a mover and a shaker, and she left her mark on this earth. Books were her first love, particularly those pertaining to history and mystery. Her love of sports moved well beyond her eternally optimistic (and irrational) devotion to the Cubs. As a player and a coach, she became an integral figure in the expansion and development of Woman’s rugby in the mid-Atlantic region. An avid supporter of arts, literature and music, her home was alive with culture as well as the aroma of her Polish Hamburgers. Barbara was a self-taught artisan and loved knitting, quilting and needlework. Her gardens were a testimony to nature and the time she spent in them was her sanctuary. Her smile was infectious. Her generosity was unbounded. Her children and grandchildren embody her spirit and passions. She is cherished and remembered by her many lifelong friends. We will miss her laughter, her intelligence and her love of family.

Barbara was the vibrant mother of Barbara (Doug Sohn) Tyksinski, Michael (Kelsey Marsh) Tyksinski, Susan Tyksinski, Jamie (Carol Fratrik) Tyksinski and the late Catherine Tyksinski; devoted grandmother of Derrick Fisher, Shane Tyksinski, Dillon Tyksinski, Keaton Fisher, Taylor Fisher, Aidan Tyksinski, Caleb Tyksinski, Cooper Tyksinski, Georgia Tyksinski and Hazel Tyksinski; dear sister of Richard (Carol) Betty. A celebration of Barbara’s life is planned for the spring. Memorials to a charity of your choice are appreciated.