Barbara A. Wells

Memorial Services (celebration of life) for Barbara Ann Wells will be at Smith Street Station 180 N. Smith St. Palatine IL on December 3, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Barbara was born on October 11, 1937 in White Hall, IL to the late Ralph and Mildred Thomas, she passed away on November 22, 2016.

She grew up in White Hall IL and attended the University of Iowa.  In December of 1958 she married Van Wells and they established residence in the Chicagoland Area.  They had two children, Rebecca (the late Neil) Nicholson and Bill (Mary Nolan) Wells.  Barbara was activate in the aquatics field including teaching swimming and lifesaving classes, and participating in Synchronized Swimming for many years at the Lattoff YMCA in Des Plaines, IL.  She continued the work in the aquatic field when they relocated to California and also was active with Special Olympics.  She had many other interests, however her focus changed to traveling after Van’s retirement in 1989 which became her passion.  They traveled in a motor home throughout the United States for 25 years.  They also traveled to Africa, South America and Antarctica and lived life to the fullest with no regrets.

She is survived by her husband; Van and their two children; Bill and Rebecca; four grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, and Anna Wells and Colin Nicholson and her sister; Alberta (Richard) Newell.  In addition, Barbara is leaving behind countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Westside Special Olympics, 1401 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404.