Barbara O'Leary

Barbara J. O'Leary, age 90 of Shullsburg, WI passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Sienna Crest Assisted Living in Darlington, WI. She was born February 16, 1931 in Mendota, IL the daughter of Elmer and Marian (Deaner) Brown. Barb grew up in Mendota where she graduated from Mendota High School in 1949 and later from Galesburg School of Nursing. She married James E. Hollars on October 8, 1950 in Mendota. On February 26, 1965 she was married to Harold M. Atherton in Mendota. He preceded her in death. She later married John J. O'Leary on December 5, 1990 in Shullsburg. He preceded her in death. She spent most of her working years working as a bookkeeper for various different companies throughout the area. Barb is survived by her children: Elizabeth Ann (John) Scott of Gratiot, WI, Tim (Ronda) Hollars of Malden, IL, and Richard Hollars. a step-son: Kevin (Collene) Atherton of Champagne, IL; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that she absolutely adored; one brother: James Brown of Batavia, IL; one sister: Betty Phalen of Mendota, IL; and one sister-in-law: Darlene Brown of Bloomington, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands: Harold Atherton and John J. O'Leary; two sons: David Hollars and Michael Hollars; one sister: Joyce Hoffman; a step-son: James Atherton; one brother: William Brown; two brothers-in-law: Lee Hoffman and Harry Phalen; two sisters-in-law: Karen Brown and Judy Brown; and one great-grandson: Zander Sweeney. Barb was a past member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Shullsburg. In her free time Barb enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, pictures puzzles, fishing, needlework, and sewing. Barb never passed up an opportunity to travel to the local restaurants with her family to enjoy a nice meal and enjoy their company. Barb's family was the most important part of her life. The time she got to spend with her family - especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her. She made sure each of them knew how proud she was of them. A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Evangelical Free Church (5605 Main St. Gratiot) with Rev. Glenn Andes officiating. Burial will be in St. Matthew's Cemetery in Shullsburg. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Shullsburg is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Barb's name.