Barbara Jean Pelati, 85 of Taylorville passed away at 6:45a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  She was born on January 18, 1933 in Taylorville, the daughter of Frank C. and Mary L. (Bailey) Noren.  She married Dante Pelati on August 13, 1959 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville.  He preceded her in death on September 7, 1996.  Barb received her Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree from Millikin University.  She worked for many years as a teacher in Taylorville and surrounding communities.  Barb was very active in her community over the years.  Some of her involvement included: board member of the Christian County Senior Citizen’s Center, VFW Auxiliary, Taylorville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and blood bank, Women’s golf league, founding member of the Boyd Dappert Youth Reservation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She loved to read, play bridge, golf, and spend time with her family.

Barb is survived by her children: Dr. Joseph Pelati (Dr. Leslie May) of Houston, Texas, Maria Crawford (Robert) of Bolingbrook, and Peggy Brandon (partner Rick Domeracki) of Wayne, Illinois; grandchildren: Colton Brandon of Rolling Meadows and Mina Brandon of Oxford, Mississippi; siblings: Marilyn (Ed) Voggetzer of Taylorville, Jim (Mary Ann) Noren of Taylorville, and Ron (Connie) Noren of Orange, California; sister-in-law: Louise Noren of Taylorville; brother-in-law: Jim Daugherty of Taylorville; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Ted Noren, William Noren, Charles “Lindy” Noren, and Johanna Daugherty.  

Barb will be cremated, and a funeral mass will be held at 10:30a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Monsignor David Lantz officiating.  Inurnment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  Visitation will be held from 3 until 5p.m. on Sunday at McClure Funeral Home.  The family will host a celebration of life and dinner from 5 until 7p.m. on Sunday at the VFW in Taylorville.  Memorials may be made to the Christian County Senior Citizens or the Christian County Relay for Life. 

McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is handling arrangements. 

Memories of Barb, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.