Obituary of Barbara Perella

Perella, Barbara Newkirk On April 8, our dear mother died peacefully at her home in Naples, Florida. Born on December 31, 1930 in Joliet, Illinois to parents Franklin & Louise Newkirk, Barbara was a long time resident of Joliet before moving to Naples, Florida in 1995. A 1948 graduate of Joliet Township high school, and Stephens College in 1952, Barbara was one of the first women to major in aviation and receive her pilots license. Barbara's first flight came to her at age 17. As the Joliet Herald News published, 'When the honey-haired Miss Newkirk landed her Cessna-140 at Peoria Thursday afternoon to wait out a sudden squall, attendants at the field stared in amazement. They were still further amazed when she spent time with them in the hangar, unbothered about the grease smudge on her pretty nose.' She married Alvin (Al) Perella in 1956 and was a loving and devoted mother to their four children. She put her heart and soul into everything she did - whether she was in the air piloting planes or on the ground riding horses, she never shied away from a challenge as also evidenced by coaching the swim teams at YMCA and Oakwood, having never learned to swim. Barbara also was an incredibly talented musician. She played the piano and numerous instruments effortlessly and only needed to hear a song once before playing it herself and not missing a single note. But perhaps what was most incredible and endearing was her quick wit, determination and ability to teach us to laugh at ourselves. Barbara was also active in numerous boards including serving as past President of St. Joseph Auxiliary, volunteering for Waterway Daze and various Catholic charities. She performed at numerous Jubilation Shows at Joliet Township High School. She was also a close friend of Bishop Romeo Blanchette. Preceded in death by her parents, Franklin Howard Newkirk and Louise Sisk Newkirk and brother Franklin Howard Newkirk, Jr. (Sonny). She was adoring mother and grandmother to son, Vin (Pam) of Dallas, TX, daughter Lisa Kulp (Robert) of Dallas, TX , daughter Lori Krebs (Robert) of Chicago and son Frank (Mikael) of Dallas, TX and six grandchildren - Lauren, Jacquelyn, Brandon, Kathryn, Shelby and Cody. She is also survived by her sister Gloria Newkirk Rentschler of Dallas, TX and niece Kim (John) Rentschler Purifoy of Colleyville, TX, nephews Keith (Yolanda) Rentschler of St. Louis and Kirk Rentschler of Portland, Oregon. We are also forever grateful for Candace Garcia, Barbara's caregiver. 'So much of who we are is because of you. We will miss you greatly' Love, your children. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home with Services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black Rd. at Essington Rd., Joliet For information (815) 741-5500