Barbara Coleite
December 17, 1939
-
May 17, 2026
Funeral
Funeral Date and Time:
Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Funeral Service Information:
Barbara Coleite was an icon. A tough woman who didn’t take any shit. Glamorous. Loving. Opinionated. Kind. She lived authentically, and that’s why people were drawn to her.
Born and raised in Chicago, Barbara was ahead of her time. She learned how to drive a stick, and started working young. Proud of her hard work, she spent earnings on cashmere sweaters, always with an eye for style. That eye stayed sharp throughout her life.
Serving as the family matriarch, Barbara loved hosting family gatherings. Married to her late husband Howard for 61 years, they built a life around family and business. Barbara operated a Chicago Currency Exchange, and assisted Howard running Deluxe Car Wash. He may have been the friendly face, but she was certainly the brains of the operation. Her sharp business acumen and fierce loyalty kept them together through good times and bad.
Barbara played many roles. Sister to Frayda and Mark, Mother to Michelle and Jason (Tonya), Grandmother to Robyn, Alex, Nate (Te’Asia), Hannah (Alex), Nick, Jacob, and Joshua, Aunt to Lauren. Her highlight this year was living long enough to meet her new great granddaughter, Na'Tasia. Loved by all, she will be missed.
Funeral service Thursday, May 21 at 2:00PM at Westlawn Cemetery Chapel, 7801 W Montrose Ave, Norridge. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, IL or the Northshore Senior Center in Northfield, IL. Arrangements entrusted to Westlawn Jewish Funerals, 773-625-8621.
SHIVA INFORMATION
Coleite Residence
40 Beaconsfield Ct
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Thursday, May 21, 2026
4:00PM – 8:00PM
Born and raised in Chicago, Barbara was ahead of her time. She learned how to drive a stick, and started working young. Proud of her hard work, she spent earnings on cashmere sweaters, always with an eye for style. That eye stayed sharp throughout her life.
Serving as the family matriarch, Barbara loved hosting family gatherings. Married to her late husband Howard for 61 years, they built a life around family and business. Barbara operated a Chicago Currency Exchange, and assisted Howard running Deluxe Car Wash. He may have been the friendly face, but she was certainly the brains of the operation. Her sharp business acumen and fierce loyalty kept them together through good times and bad.
Barbara played many roles. Sister to Frayda and Mark, Mother to Michelle and Jason (Tonya), Grandmother to Robyn, Alex, Nate (Te’Asia), Hannah (Alex), Nick, Jacob, and Joshua, Aunt to Lauren. Her highlight this year was living long enough to meet her new great granddaughter, Na'Tasia. Loved by all, she will be missed.
Funeral service Thursday, May 21 at 2:00PM at Westlawn Cemetery Chapel, 7801 W Montrose Ave, Norridge. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, IL or the Northshore Senior Center in Northfield, IL. Arrangements entrusted to Westlawn Jewish Funerals, 773-625-8621.
SHIVA INFORMATION
Coleite Residence
40 Beaconsfield Ct
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Thursday, May 21, 2026
4:00PM – 8:00PM
Clergy:
Rabbi Michael Sommer
Interment:
Memorial Section