We celebrate the life of beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, Barbara Dornfeld. She was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, January 6, 2010.

Barbara Ann Dornfeld, nee Hoch, was born the youngest daughter of Edwin and Jennie Hoch on December 12, 1930 in Chicago, IL. Baptized into the Methodist Episcopal Church on June 14, 1931, she became a devout Christian.

Raised in Chicago, Barb attended Esmond Elementary School through the eighth grade. She subsequently graduated from Morgan Park High School. Described by her sister, Bette, as a "friendly child," Barb was well liked by her childhood peers. This admiration continued throughout her life.

Barb's post-high school education included her graduation from The Chicago School of Dental Nursing in 1951. She continued her dental training at the University of Illinois Dental Assisting Certification Program through 1964. That same year, she received her certification as a dental assistant from the Certifying Board of the American Dental Assistants Association, Inc. In addition, Barb took post-graduate courses and attended numerous dental seminars.

Barbara's career in the medical field spanned fifty-one years. Her committed service included her tenure as a medical receptionist, switchboard operator and typist at the Beverly Medical Arts Building in Chicago, as well as her position as a receptionist at the McQuay Norris Corporation in St. Louis, MO. From 1958 though 1979, Barb helped establish and maintain the dental practice of Dr. John N. Campbell where she served in public relations, book keeping, billing, and dental assistance. Following that service, Barb worked from 1980 to 1988 as a medical receptionist for physician Dr. Joseph O'Donnell. After the transfer of Dr. O'Donnell's practice to Dr. G. Allen Crist, Barb continued in that office for the next two years. Barb concluded her devoted service in the medical field after working for nineteen years, from 1990 to 2009, in the office of Drs. Patricia Merwick and Patrick O'Meara. Barb's retirement followed her diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease).

Barb is survived by her husband, Paul; daughter, Cindy; sons, Douglas (Noemi), Donald, David, and Dean (Anita); stepsons, James (Vickie), and John (Maritza); as well as her sister, Bette; and ten grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Anne.

In the words of one dear friend, "Everyone who truly knew Barb loved her." Truly, she enriched lives and touched hearts each and every day.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, January 9 from 2:30 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Interment is private.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Les Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 W. Touhy Ave., Suite 302, Skokie, IL 60077.