Obituary of Barbara J. Craighead

“ When through one woman a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth come into the world-then that woman’s life has had meaning.” Barbara J. Craighead nee Bahr, 82, of Crestwood, formerly of Beverly and Blue Island, passed from this life Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Barbara was born August 29, 1939 at St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island to the late Gertrude nee Barshdorf and the late Carl Bahr. Affectionally known as “Barb”, she was baptized September 24, 1939 at First Ev. Lutheran Church. Barb was raised in Blue Island and attended local schools. She was a graduate of Grant Hospital School of Nursing where she was in the first class of CNOR-Certified Nurse Operating Room and became the first certified nurse in surgical nursing. She also wrote the test to certify surgical nurses for the state of Illinois. Because of the this, she was included in the 1st Edition-1984 of Who’s Who of American Nursing. She earned her Bachelors of Science at The College of St. Francis in Joliet. Barb continued her education and earned her Masters of Administration at Spertus College of Judaica. Barb was formerly employed as a Nurse Coordinator-Hospital Administration at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County. She dedicated thirty-five years not only to the hospital but to those incarcerated in Cook County jail. Barb served as a consultant for ten years for several small area hospitals to upgrade their operating rooms. Barb was so very proud of her family. She loved nothing more than spending time with them and celebrating all the milestones in their lives. Barb was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Palos Heights. She was volunteer at Palos Community Hospital and also a lifetime member of the VFW Womens Auxiliary. Barb liked to travel, especially to Aruba where she would spend several weeks every year relaxing with her friends. She also liked to take shopping trips to the outlet malls! Barb had a loving heart that burst through her beautiful smile and warm hugs. Barb was the beloved wife of the late Leroy Craighead Sr. and the late Charles Beckman. She is the loving mother of Kimberly Beckman, Leroy (Kristina) Craighead Jr., and the late Heather Lynn Craighead. Barb is the cherished grandmother of Nicole King, Samantha King and Niyah Craighead. She is the adored great grandmother of Freya Hammerburg. Barb is the treasured “Aruba grandmother“ of Drew and Gary Franco. She leaves many other family members and dear friends to cherish her memory. Visitation for Barb will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 2, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7800 W. McCarthy Rd., Palos Heights. Barb will lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Cremation will be private.