Barbara "Barbie" Joan Merkel, of Des Plaines, previously longtime resident of Chicago, passed away at the age of 50 on March 23, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer.  She is survived by her beloved mother Kathryn (nee Westring), father John, her loving sister Judith (Jeffrey) Ratcliff, and her cherished nephew Charles.

Barbie was a very beautiful woman whose love of life showed in all she did.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 1-5 p.m. at Northlake Funeral Home, 140 E. North Avenue, Northlake, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ASPCA in Barbie's memory would be welcomed.

ASPCA
Web: https://secure.aspca.org/donate/ps-gn-20210325-p2?ms=MP_PMK_Googlebrand-T4&initialms=MP_PMK_Googlebr