Barbara Hoffman McMillan passed away November 10, 2021 at Kishwaukee Hospital.

She was born February 20, 1930 to William and Edith (Dahlquist) Hoffman in Sycamore, Illinois. Losing her father at the age of 3, she was raised by a single mother, along with some other very kind and strong women and family on Grant St. Most likely creating the girl and woman she became. She also enjoyed spending time with the kind-hearted Hoffman's as a child and always spoke highly of them.

She met the love of her life at the age of 14 on a sleigh ride, Arnold (Mac) (Shorty) McMillan. They were married on June 25, 1949.

Barb worked at the DeKalb Ag in her early years. She retired from the Sycamore Municipal Hospital/Vencor after working there for many years. First working in the kitchen, then later working in the business office. She made many friends there and loved reminiscing about them.

Barb, Mac, and their daughter Sue, made their home on Center Avenue in Sycamore. Many great years were spent there. Barb was a great baker, known for her wonderful pies and Christmas coffee cakes. She found peace in her kitchen and just relaxing in her chair watching TV with Mac. She  was known for hanging laundry outside and ironing everything. Many gathered on the front porch to visit and eat great desserts. Barb was known to everyone that knew her to be a compassionate and loving soul. She had an open door policy at her house. She allowed her daughter to have many slumber parties, loud music, and many kids running up and down the stairs to Sue's bedroom. An unjudgmental person, she was always ready to listen, help and give good sound advice. Many people found peace just in her presence and many considered her a second mother. She loved hosting Thanksgiving for her whole family in the earlier years.

Barb and Mac later moved to Woodgate in Sycamore and made this their new retirement home. They spent many happy years there with many great memories. Barb loved to visit and talk about old times. Quite the story teller, she could remember the smallest of details. She was always up for going for a ride around town while drinking her McDonald's diet coke and eating her cheeseburger (mustard only). Barb loved to walk through the stores and pick up gifts for her grandchildren. She loved the holidays and celebrating them with her family. She and Mac had some great vacations with her sister and brother in law, Marilyn and Marvin Howe.

Barb's family was the most important thing in her life. She loved them all deeply and helped each one of them any way she could. Her passing has left a huge hole in their hearts.

Barb is survived by her daughter, Sue McMillan Olson (Chuck), granddaughter Angela Olson Carraher, great grandsons Joseph Miller, Damian Olson, Joshua Carraher, great nephew Rodney St. Laurent, and niece Cindy Howe Weber, along with many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mac in 2016, her parents, both sisters Joyce St. Laurent and Marilyn Howe, and her two nephews Eddie St. Laurent and David Howe.

Her visitation will be held at the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore, beginning at 1:00pm on Wednesday, November 17 ^th followed by a funeral service starting at 2:00pm with Pastor Daniel Swinson officiating. Burial will be at the Elmwood Cemetery.

Please feel free to bring memories and stories that you would like to share with us.

We would like to thank the many doctors that played a role in Barb's life throughout the years, allowing her to live a full life and reach 91 years old. Thank you to the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Home where she spent the last year of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made for Barb in care of the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. For info or to sign the online guest book, go to www.Butalafuneralhomes.com or call (815) 895-2833.

Masks are required to attend the visitation and funeral service.