Obituary of Barbara Shupinka
Barbara Shupinka (née Rondot), age 86, passed gently into eternity on February 8, 2025, at Lightways Hospice Care Center in Joliet. Born on September 17, 1938, in Angola, Indiana, she was the beloved daughter of Frank and Esther Rondot and the devoted wife of Robert Shupinka, with whom she shared 64 years before his passing in 2021.
Barbara had a gift for bringing joy—whether through her lovingly handcrafted cards filled with words of encouragement, or through the melodies she carried in her heart. She had an uncanny ability to recall the lyrics to nearly every song written before 1970, but none captured her spirit quite like those of Frank Sinatra. “Old Blue Eyes” was, as she often joked, her first love, and she could frequently be found twirling around the living room, letting him serenade her.
Later in life, she bravely joined an aerobic swim class, unaware she was signing up for 15 years of treasured friendships (and, possibly, more socializing than swimming). Her “golden” friendships of 65 years were equally cherished—proof that laughter, loyalty, camaraderie, and a good cup of coffee keep you young.
She is survived by her children, Lesa Ruth, Susan Pacetti, Christopher Shupinka, and Jennifer Shupinka; her grandchildren, John Walters and Kyle Leet; and her great-grandchild, Stone Leet. She reunites with her husband Robert, her son Paul, and her parents, Frank and Esther.
As Barbara requested, cremation rites have been accorded, and she will rest alongside Robert at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, with inurnment services on March 3, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lightways Hospice Care—or, in true Barbara fashion, take a moment to send a handmade card to someone who needs a pick-me-up and dance like nobody’s watching.
Arrangements by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Joliet. For more information, call 815-741-5500 or visit www.fredcdames.com.
May Barbara’s laughter echo in the memories of those who loved her, and may she forever waltz among the stars—Sinatra’s voice guiding her every step.
