Barbara Guardia

Barbara Guardia

Nee: Plut

Age 74, passed away Sunday January 14, 2024 at her home with family at her side.

Survived by her loving husband of 53 years Carl Guardia; children Geri Guardia, Carl (Elizabeth) Guardia Jr., and Valerie (Erin) Bermingham; grandchildren Quintin, Maleah and Molly Guardia, Jacob Friddle, Kailey and Charlotte Bermingham; sisters Susan Plut, Victoria Plut, Peggy (Gary) Junkunc and Heidi Jokich; brother-in-law Dennis (Patti) Guardia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by her father Edward Marcus Plut; mother Margaret Irene (Hancock) Plut; sister Kathleen Kay Harrison (nee Todd); brother William Edward Plut.

Barbara was born in Joliet on Christmas Day, and was a lifelong resident.  She graduated from St. Francis Academy Class of 1968 and Joliet Junior College.   She was a member and Lector of St. Joseph Catholic Church, active in the Altar and Rosary Society, served as Secretary and Membership Chairperson for the American Legion Post #1080 Ladies Auxiliary, Will County Seniors, and the Slovenian Union of America Branch 20.

Barbara was devoted to her family, most of all her children and grandchildren, and loved going to their school activities and sports.  She enjoyed spending time with her sisters on Sunday, especially going to play bingo.  She was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Through her many years of work on Ancestry.com and coordination with research sources in Slovenia, she connected and united many American families of Slovenian descent whose immigrant ancestors settled in the Joliet area.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people that prayed for Barbara, University of Chicago Medical Center, and Lightways Hospice for the loving care and compassion given to Barbara.

Funeral from the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home Friday, January 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. to St. Joseph Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.   Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation Thursday 3-7 p.m.   Memorials in Barbara’s name to St. Joseph Catholic Church would be appreciated.