Barbara Moretti

Barbara June (nee VanDerlip) Moretti was born in Chicago, IL on February 19, 1942 to Ruth & Garfield VanDerlip. Barbara had 2 siblings: her older sister Judy  and her younger brother John. Barbara graduated from Taft high school in 1960 . She married Ronald Moretti in 1963 and raised two children, Scott & Kristin in Norridge and Park Ridge, IL. In 1977 Barbara decided to go back to school. She attended Triton College, graduated in 1981 and became a nurse. She worked at Northwest Hospital until she began working at the Kraff Eye Institute as Dr. Manus Kraff's Ophthalmic nurse.

She spent many summers at their "cottage" in Lake Como, WI until they moved there permanently after Ron retired. After a few years they started spending winters in Siesta Key/Sarasota, FL. Barbara enjoyed painting and participated in golf and bowling leagues for many years. She also loved her pups: Cindy, Ruffie, Beija, Luca and most recently Bella.

She was known as "Mer Mer" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be  affectionately remembered for her "special pancakes" and Ebelskivers; competitive games of "Oh Hell"; her love of Neil Diamond songs; although a lifelong Bears fan, her fan crush on Patrick Mahomes (She'd yell "MAHOMES!" whenever he had a great play while wearing her jersey); always bringing a delicious appetizer to a party;  finding the exactly perfect Christmas ornament(s) for everyone on her list (including the dogs) every year; and those Virgin Piña Coladas!

Unfortunately Barbara suffered with an Alzheimer's diagnosis for the past ten years which slowly took away her lifelong memories but it will not take away the memories her family and friends have of her. Barbara is survived by her husband Ronald Moretti; her children Kristin and Scott (Valle); her grandchildren Justin and Megan Moretti and Candice Williams (Chris); her great-grandchildren Charlotte, Kinsley and Gavin Williams; her brother John VanDerlip; sister-in-law Cathy Moretti and brother-in-law Dennis Markus; along with her many nieces & nephews and lifelong friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Garfield and Ruth VanDerlip; her sister Judy (VanDerlip) Markus; brother-in-law Richard Moretti. Barbara asked that the family not have a funeral service however a Celebration of Life may be planned in the future. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers at The Waters of Oak Creek Memory Care as well as St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion they showed not only to Barbara but also to Ron and family. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association or to Mote Marine in Sarasota would be appreciated.