Barbara graduated from Canton High School in 1958. She then attended Illinois State University and earned her degree in elementary education. Later in life she received her master’s degree in education from Western Illinois University.
Barbara’s teaching career began in Peoria, Illinois, and ended in Canton when she retired in 1996. Barbara’s passion for teaching was evident to all who knew her, and she loved her students and co-workers immensely. She was very proud of the fact that her three daughters, as well as her sister, Marilyn, all became teachers.
Barbara was always a champion of the underdog, a trait she learned from her mother. She always noticed others and was quick to compliment their smiles, outfits, or find something special and unique about them.
In 1990, Barbara married the love of her life, Dr. Carlos Almeida. They enjoyed many happy years together as they traveled the world and spoiled grandchildren.
Barbara had many gifts and talents. She enjoyed writing poetry, teaching, reading, spending time with her friends, and gardening. Most of all, she loved being with her family, and she was very proud of each and every one of them.
Barbara was a friend to many and always had a kind word, smile, or positive gesture for strangers. She is well-known in Canton for being the Friendship Festival Queen in 1957. Even though she was stunningly beautiful, Barbara won because of her kindness to all and genuine love for the people of Canton.
Barbara is survived by her loving family. She adored her daughters, Michele (Lynn) Eich, Dianne (Marty) Lozier, and Julie (Chris) Breese. Barbara loved her sister, Marilyn’s children, Erin (Guymon) Huebner and Matt Guymon and their families. She deeply loved her nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, which include Tara Rumler; Alanna (Lane) Akre parents of Brooks, Miles, and Clay; Brandon (Hayley) Rumler parents of Ari, Jett, and Beau; Renee Rumler; Zachary (Paige) Lozier parents of Claire and Lily; Wesley Lozier; Joshua Lozier; Ciara (Nich) Ulm parents of Lynea and Forrest; and Joah Breese. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Raymond and Edna Smith, her husband, Dr. Carlos Almeida, her sister and best friend, Marilyn (Smith) Guymon, her companion, Gary Adams, and her precious aunties who impacted her life greatly. Despite this great loss, Barbara’s family rejoices in her glorious reunion in Heaven with her beloved family in the presence of Jesus.
Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL oversees Barbara’s services. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a private graveside service for her family and a celebration of a life well-lived on Sunday, May 31st from 2 to 4 at Lakeland Community Church in Canton with Reverend Kevin Van Tine officiating. Memorials may be made in her honor to the Spoon River Pregnancy Center of Canton as Barbara was an advocate for life and cherished children of all ages.
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