Barbara Bond

Barbara Ruth (Doran) Bond, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on May 26, 2026, surrounded by her family, just five days after celebrating her 89th birthday.

Barbara was born on May 21, 1937, in Chicago to Esther Frye Doran and Arthur Phillips Doran. She spent her childhood in Evanston and graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1955. She later earned her business degree from Indiana University in 1959.

Following college, Barbara embarked on a solo summer-long journey through Europe, crossing the Atlantic Ocean by cruise ship. It was an adventurous experience that reflected her independence and curiosity about the world, and one she lovingly reminisced about throughout her life.

In 1960, Barbara married Phillip Bond, who she met in college. Together they began their careers at LaSalle National Bank in Chicago and raised three children: Cathy, John, and David. After the couple divorced in 1973, Barbara faced the challenges of single motherhood with remarkable strength, grace, and determination during a time when such a path was far less common.

To support her family, Barbara transitioned from being a stay-at-home mother to building a successful career at Kraft Foods. She began in Research & Development in Glenview before becoming an executive assistant at the company’s headquarters. Barbara dedicated more than 30 years to Kraft before retiring.

Faith and community were central to Barbara’s life. Her family became active members of Glenview Community Church, where Barbara devoted countless hours of service. She served on numerous church committees and spent many years as church clerk on the Executive Board. She sang in the Chancel Choir for many years which was very important to her. She also volunteered each year for The Nativity, Christmas pageant that was a long tradition at the church. Thoughtful and compassionate, she regularly sent handwritten get-well cards to church members who were ill or hospitalized, always finding ways to care for others quietly and sincerely.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She was a constant and loving presence in her children’s lives, faithfully attending every concert, recital, cross-country race, basketball game, track meet, and baseball game. With two children participating in the Singing Stones high school choir, Barbara enthusiastically volunteered for countless fundraisers, including plant and pizza sales.

She also embraced her children’s friends as part of the family, earning the affectionate nickname “MomBond.” Whether sending birthday cards to college students away from home or welcoming friends into her kitchen with warm chocolate chip cookies and a bag to take home, Barbara had a gift for making everyone feel loved, comfortable, and included. She started making flannel baby blankets for new moms and even made new blankets for kids when their blanket was worn out from constant use.

Barbara’s love of travel continued throughout her life. She enjoyed memorable trips with her sister-in-law, Louise, to Alaska, China, Greece, Egypt, and Israel. She also traveled with her church choir to Italy and England and later explored Australia and New Zealand with Cathy.

Shortly before retirement, Barbara moved from the family home on Henley Street in Glenview to Estate Lane in Glenview. Later, she became part of the community at Covenant Living of Northbrook, where she first lived independently before moving to Axelson Assisted Living following a hospitalization.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Donald, and his wife, Louise; her daughter, Cathy, and husband, Kevin; her sons, John and David, and David’s wife, Kristan; her granddaughter, Taylor, her husband Brian , her great-granddaughter, Kinsley and great-grandson, Brian; her grandson, Garrett, and his wife, Danni; her great-grandson, Jack; and her step-grandson, Luke.

Barbara will be remembered for her love of chocolate and cheeseburgers. Her kindness, resilience, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. Her gentle spirit and loving heart touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.