Barbara Marie Pelan

Barbara Marie Pelan, 86, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024.

She was born on August 9, 1937, in Springfield, IL, to the late John and Elizabeth “Elsie” Stankitis.

Barb graduated from Ursaline Academy. She earned her associate’s degree from Springfield Junior College and her Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Barb was employed by the Sycamore, IL school district as a special education teacher for five years, worked for Illinois Public Aid for five years, and was a social worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for 22 years.

She enjoyed researching family genealogy, entertaining, scrap booking, gardening, and spending time with her family during her retirement. Barb was especially fond of the Christmas season and looked forward to that holiday every year.

Barb had a long history as a supporter of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from Rockford, IL. She volunteered numerous hours with the organization in many capacities, for over 45 years. Barb was a member of the Regiment’s Board of Directors for many years. She loved the corps deeply and followed their progress every year remotely, when she could no longer attend a show in person.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Dorothy Guy.

Barb is survived by her children, Dana (Francine) Pelan of Ana, TX, Lisa (Mitchell) Baclet of Ocala, FL, Amy (Larry) Woods of Dekalb, IL, Christine (Kyle Links) Pelan of Springfield, IL, and Barbara Pelan of Springfield, IL; grandchildren, Hillary, Kaitlyn, John, Adam, Jacob, Paul, Dennis (Shannon), and Kinsey; sister, Marita Brake of Bloomington, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL, 61108. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps at http://regiment.org/support/donate or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.