Barbara A. Salins

Barbara A. Salins, 70, Wonder Lake, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at Centegra Hospital – McHenry.

She was born Aug. 1, 1943, in Chicago to Sam and Florence (Hobe) Sciortino. 

On Nov. 14, 1964, she married Jerome E. Salins in Melrose Park.

Previously of Addison, she was a resident of Wonder Lake for the past 13 years. In her lifetime, she took great pride in caring for her husband, raising her children and making a comfortable home for her family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and had the philosophy that no one left her table hungry. After celebrations, guests often were sent home with a meal to enjoy the next day. 

She was also well known for her beautiful Christmas cookies. The baking marathons began the weekend after Thanksgiving, and she made at least 15 different varieties of cookies. She began the tradition of a cookie bake day with her daughters and niece and continued the tradition each year to include her granddaughter and great-niece. When her husband retired, he became her sous-chef. 

Many family and friends were the recipients of her talents.

She also was an accomplished secretary. When her children were in the later grade school years, she began working as a legal secretary in Addison where she was able to put her dictation and typing skills to use. 

During their retirement years, she and her husband enjoyed collecting antique American brilliant cut glass. They would travel to destinations near and far to seek out a new bell, cruet or something unusual. When traveling became more difficult, she enjoyed finding her next treasure on eBay. Over the years, beauty was gathered and displayed and a story for each was shared.     

Survivors include her husband; three children, Christine (Matthew) Klein, Burlington, Leslie (Richard) Wegner, Carol Stream, and Michael Salins, Hanover Park; seven grandchildren; a brother, John (Patricia) Sciortino; a niece, Angela; and a nephew, John.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation and service were private for the family.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or to the National  Kidney Foundation.

Arrangements were made by Justen Funeral Home & Crematory,  McHenry.