Obituary: Barbara Petasnick

Barbara Petasnick, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, passed away July 18, 2026, in Atlanta. Barbara was born on Jan. 3, 1937, in Chicago to Ida and Morrie Haft, the oldest of 13 cousins. She graduated from Chicago Teachers College and, in August 1958, married Jerry Petasnick of Sheboygan, Wis., son of the late Caroline and Morris “Chub” Petasnick. While Jerry attended medical school, Barbara taught fourth, fifth and sixth grades in Madison, Wis., and River Forest, Ill. In January 1965, Barbara became the proud mother of twin daughters, Sheri and Laura. She was an adoring bubbe to Alex and Oren; a devoted and caring big sister to Carol and Richard; and a loving niece, aunt, and cousin to a large extended family.

Barbara’s numerous achievements included serving as first woman president of Illinois’ District 30 school board; president of the sisterhood of Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Ill.; first woman president of the congregation; and a Chicos Customer of the Year for 20 years running. She loved to entertain and was a first-class cook, famous for hosting all the Jewish holiday meals, engagement parties for her nieces and nephews, and, perhaps most of all, her epic New Year’s Day parties.

Barbara is survived by Jerry, her doting and faithful husband of 68 years; her daughters, Sheri Panovka and Laura Petasnick Berkey; sister, Carol Slavin; grandsons, Alex and Oren Panovka; son-in-law, Adam Berkey; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents and in-laws, she was predeceased by her brother, Richard, and her son-in-law, Alon.

A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Arlington Memorial Park: 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Shiva took place at the home of Sheri Panovka Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Ill., or Ahavath Achim Synagogue in Atlanta.