Barbara E. Zima, age 94, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.  She was born January 4, 1931 in Melrose Park, IL to Fred & Opal Hatley.

Barbara Etta Hatley Zima's legacy is one of true love.

Raised in love, she was the oldest of two daughters of Opal Irene Anderson Hatley, a one-room school teacher from Assumption, Christian, Illinois and Fred James Hatley, a self-made man raised in a log cabin in Delta, Whatcom near Bellingham, Washington. He climbed Mount Baker, survived trench warfare during WWI, was the football coach and industrial arts teacher at Proviso Township High School. Her father's commitment to college education for both daughters manifested in Barbara earning a music scholarship (piano), earning two degrees from Northwestern University (Bachelor of Music Education 1953, Master of Music 1956), and with three young children under age 6 she completed a Master of Arts degree from Jersey State College to achieve the certification required to expand her career as a public-school teacher beyond music education.

Living a life of love for others, she raised three children while working full time, supporting them through their college education, and being there during the growth points of childhood, young adulthood, and middle age. As her family expanded, she readily extended her love to her children's spouses and their families, supporting marriages, caring for newborns and tired parents. She was actively involved in key moments for her grandchildren, Neil, Anna, and Jacob. She made multiple trips to attend Neil and Anna's orchestra concerts, plays, academic milestones and ballet recitals. Following retirement, for Jacob, she provided childcare, transportation to school and gymnastic practices, attended gymnastics competitions that culminated in National medals at the Jr. Olympic and collegiate level. In addition, many of her "pals" in high school, friends from college, co-workers, former students and children in the neighborhood of Winfield Illinois, became life-long friends as evidenced by the photos of shared life events, good times at sporting events (e.g., season ticket holder for Northwestern football), and national and international travel.

She was an outstanding knitter, creating beautiful and intricate handmade creations that were often for family, friends and graduating youth. She taught elementary Music in Highland Park, IL, elementary grades in New Jersey and Illinois followed by music, drama, and Block (home room) at Edison Junior High School for decades. In addition to education, she valued a child's creativity, encouraged self-confidence, and promoted self-esteem by validating each child's unique gifts. Her dedication to community also endured during her lifetime, being a Girl Scout Leader, parent volunteer, playing piano and organ when needed, performing in the Bell Choir, and knitting Afghan blankets for graduating seniors at church.  She was lovingly known as "Barbie," "Barb," "Mom," "Grandma Barb," "G-Barb," "Mrs. Zima" and "Mrs. Z."
Sustained by her love, we now transition to celebrating the indelible positive impact she had in our lives, those living, passed, and unknown given her humbleness. Her kindness, empathy, dedication to fairness and social justice, and perseverance have strengthened so many. Barbara Etta Hately Zima's legacy of love continues through the lives of all the individuals she has touched.

She is survived by her children Dr. Bonnie T. Zima, Wendy K. Wade, Stephanie Danielles; her son-in-law Tom Davis; her grandchildren: Neil Davis, Anna Davis & Jacob Wade; her nieces Susan Carter & Sally Jo McWilliams.

She was preceded in death by her sister Marjorie McWilliams and her brother-in-law Robert McWilliams.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. A private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Northwestern University Scholarship Fund, Northwestern University c/o Gift Processing, 1201 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Please include a note or in the memo write in memory of Barbara Zima.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.