Barbara A. Shaikh, long-time Wheaton resident, passed away at age 91. She was born in Granite City, Illinois, and grew up in Jacksonville, Illinois. Her family moved to Wheaton in 1952 when her father, Dr. Darrell R. Blodgett, accepted a position as Superintendent of Schools for what is now District 200. At that time, she then transferred from MacMurray College to Lake Forest College. Upon graduation, she accepted a position with the U.S. State Department in Pakistan. There she met and married her husband, Babar L. Shaikh. The couple returned to the United States in 1960 and settled in Wheaton in 1968.

Mrs. Shaikh was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Wheaton since 1973. She worked full-time until the age of 80, retiring from SASED (School Association for Special Education in DuPage County) in 2013. She volunteered at the Lincoln Elementary School library, as a Cub Scout den mother, as a Sunday School teacher and homework tutor at Aldersgate, and at the PADS meals program. She leaves behind her sons, Mazhar and Ned; her brother, Bradley Blodgett, his wife Shelia and nieces Emily and Betsy; and many friends in the community. She was deeply loved by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held December 6, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, Wheaton. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Wheaton Cemetery.