Barbara Griffin

Barbara Leona Griffin, age 87, of Park Forest, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026.

Barbara grew up in Monee, Illinois, where she began her lifelong love of music as a church organist at St. Paul’s UCC in Monee, IL. She later attended Olivet Nazarene University, where she met her husband, Ted Griffin, while they were both part of the music program. Barbara went on to share her passion for music as a teacher in the Steger School District for 39 years.

In retirement, Barbara and Ted embraced the open road, traveling across the region as proud members of the Momence Car Club. Her love of music never faded—she continued to play the organ for weddings, funerals, and commencements, filling each occasion with grace and meaning. At home, Barbara could often be found paging through her favorite cookbooks in search of her next delicious creation. But above all, her greatest joy was simple and enduring: sharing life with Ted, her husband of 56 years, and cherishing every conversation and moment with her beloved grandchildren. For the past five years, she has made her home in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her daughter, Deb, and her family.

She is survived by her daughter Deb (Kevin) Engel; son Tom (Krista Prestek) Griffin; grandchildren Kristian, Annie, and Theo Engel, and Elliott and Alice Griffin; brother John (Karen) Sass; niece Jenny (Tim) Borgman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted A. Griffin; and her parents, Albert and Leona (née Foltz) Sass.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is established in Barbara and Ted’s name to help send a student to music camp each summer, honoring their enduring commitment to music education.

Donations may be made payable to:

Steger School District 194

In Memory of Barbara Griffin

c/o Administration Center

3753 Park Avenue

Steger, IL. 60475

A service and reception will be held in June 2026. Additional details will be shared at a later date.