Barbara A. Heatley

Barbara A. Heatley, 82, of Lake Como, WI, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025.

Barb was born on June 8, 1942, in Chicago, IL, daughter to the late William “Bill” and Eleanor (Moeller) Heatley. She attended Chicago Junior College and then finished her Business Administration degree at Loyola University, completing it at night while working.

Barb first worked for Encyclopedia Britannica in an accounting role and then enjoyed a long successful career with Science Research Associates (SRA) where, as a young woman, she achieved the role of manager and was the only woman at that time invited to join the management team. SRA was acquired by IBM and, later when IBM sold the SRA business, Barb was able to “retire early.” But she continued to work, using her financial acuity in a job she loved, helping H&R Block customers in the Des Plaines, IL, area prepare their taxes. She rose up to manage the office during her 10+ years with H&R Block.

In 2020, she moved permanently to her “happy place” at Lake Como. Barb’s hobbies included gardening, reading, managing her own investments, and making puzzles. She was a very competitive opponent in “Spite & Malice” card games and in Scrabble! She adored her cats, especially Peach, who kept her company in Como. Barb will forever be remembered for her wonderful, whole-hearted laugh, and the sparkle in her eyes as she shared her wisdom on many vast topics. She dispensed sage and insightful guidance when sought and only occasionally when not. “Okay, I’ll get off my soap box now,” she would say with a loving laugh.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the devoted healthcare professionals who cared for Barb, especially the staff at Aurora Lakeland Hospital, and to Debbie Badzinski, her home care provider and friend.

Barb is survived by her two first cousins, Joan (Kent) Schroeder and Anne (Kent) Clemens, as well as second cousins Lori (Schroeder) Parker, Jodi (Schroeder) Coveny, Kristi Schroeder, Dirk Schroeder, Marc Clemens, Amy (Clemens) Hilgers, Dawn McLaughlin, Daina (Siewenie) Ward, Trisha (Moeller) Buckner, Jody (Holian) Knack, Lory (Holian) Sego, and their extended families.

She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved first cousins Raymond Heatley, Elaine (Heatley) Holian, Nancy (Moeller) Siewenie, and John Moeller, and second cousins Gary Holian, Scott McLaughlin, and Lisa Moeller.

A celebration of Barb’s Life will be planned for later this year.

Lazarczyk Family Funeral Homes of Lake Geneva and Delevan is proudly serving the family.