Barbara Ann Shipley, 84, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 in Paducah, KY. She was born in Chicago, IL on July 29, 1933 to the late Hubbard W. Marx and the late Lillian Grasser Marx. She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, Donald W. Shipley, also formerly of Chicago. In the Chicago metropolitan area, she was a member of the St. Sabina and St. Rita parishes. They have lived in the Paducah area of Western Kentucky (Benton) for the last 36 years, and been very active members of St. Anthony of Padua parish in Grand Rivers.
She was the much-beloved mother of her surviving daughters Jean Ross Meehan, Lisa (John) O’Halloran, and the late Marycarol Coleman Loew. Barbara was a loving Grandmother to James O’Halloran, Elizabeth O’Halloran (Christopher) Castaneda, Mark (Karen) Coleman, Thomas (Jessie) Coleman, Tiffany Loew Pazin, Robert Loew, Justin (Katherine) Ross D.C., and Jenna (Willard “Steve” III) Meehan Laster. Barbara was also blessed to know and love her seven great-grandchildren: Craig O’Halloran, Nora Castaneda, Kendal and Vanessa Laster, Henry Ross, Bradley Coleman, and Lucas Pazin. She is also survived by her two sisters, Dolores Laird and Louise Ryan, and was preceded in death by another sister, Shirley Evers.
Barbara was a classically-trained opera singer who, during her singing career was known for her clear, pure-toned coloratura soprano. Her greatest joy was singing, particularly for God, in church. For the past 20+ years, she was a source of knowledge and inspiration to many as the resident expert on herbs, nutritional supplements, and natural remedies for several health nutritional stores in the greater Paducah area. Her blend of compassionate caring, sincere interest and diligent research on behalf of a customer, combined with hugs and singing happy birthday to all, will be greatly missed by many. Barbara is surely singing today as one of the newer of heaven’s angels – Sing with Joy, Mom.
Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Grand Rivers, KY. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, in Alsip IL at a later date. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua on Wednesday, January 24, 2018. Masses would be appreciated. For info: Collier Funeral Home, 211 W 5th St., Benton, KY 42025 or sign the guestbook at
www.collierfuneralhome.com