Barbara Petasnick

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday July 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Arlington Memorial Park

LIVESTREAM: Please click here to attend the funeral service via livestream.

Meeting ID: 878 1320 0373
Passcode: 743778
 

Barbara Petasnick, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, passed away July 18, 2026, in Atlanta. Barbara was born on January 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 4th, 5th and 6th 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 will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Arlington Memorial Park: 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Shiva will take place at the home of Sheri Panovka Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm.

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