Barbara Chwierut passed away on September 3, 2026, after a long battle with cancer, with her loving husband by her side.
Barbara “Barb” was the devoted wife of Brian Chwierut for 51 years.
For over 45 years, Barb was passionate about working with special-needs students, specializing in assistive technology. After retirement, she found a new passion in the whole food plant-based lifestyle. She earned a certification from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, studied the Starch Solution by Dr. John McDougall, and was a licensed Food for Life Instructor through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Barb also volunteered for PBS (Plant-Based Support) for several years.
Another of her passions was working with animals. She loved her furry family and enjoyed traveling.
She is survived by her husband, Brian; her sister-in-law, Diane Borucki (Robert); Gail Bialas (Mitchell); and Maribeth Palumbo (Daniel); and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rosalie Mas, and her sister-in-law, Linda Koepke (Al).
In lieu of flowers, donations to TLC Animal Shelter in Homer Glen, PAWS in Tinley Park, and/or Misericordia Home in Chicago would be appreciated.
Visitation: Friday, September 11, 3 to 8 p.m. at Kerry Funeral & Cremation Center, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights.
Chapel Prayers: Saturday, September 12, 9:30 a.m. at Kerry Funeral & Cremation Center, proceeding to Saint Alexander Church for 10 a.m. Mass.
Entombment: Resurrection Cemetery.