This fund was created as a memorial to Mary Calkins Barbee who passed away January 14, 2015.
Mary was born in Richmond, Wisconsin on New Years Eve in 1922. After graduating from Wisconsin State University in Whitewater, she established herself in Aurora where she taught 38 years, all but one at Bardwell Elementary School.
She was a member of First Methodist Church for many years and later, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Aurora where she devoted much time serving in positions of Deacon and Elder.
Mary was happiest when she was busy—in addition to volunteering at church she was active in many organizations: PEO, AAUW, Aurora Woman’s Club, Jennings Terrace Auxiliary Board, Child Welfare and Illinois Retired Teachers.