Barbara Wilson

MADISON - Barbara Jean Wilson, age 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 3, 2018.

The daughter of Laurus and Evelyn (Parham) Magill, Barbara was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 23, 1923. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1941. She attended Kansas State College for 2 years and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1947. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority.

While studying at KU, she met Robert Wilson. After graduation, they were married in Topeka, Kansas in 1947. They moved to Wisconsin when Robert accepted a new position with HC Prange Co. Together, they traveled to almost all 50 states and parts of Europe, were enthusiastic bowling league partners, and raised a beautiful family. In retirement, they lived in Pensacola, Florida, where Barbara was an active volunteer at the West Florida Hospital. They created some of their fondest memories together there before returning to Wisconsin to be closer to family. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August 2012, just before Robert's death in January 2013.

Barbara was a devout Catholic, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and devoted her energy into raising her family. After her children had grown, she worked for 10 years as the Executive Secretary to the President and Vice-President of Borden's in Fond du Lac and then for the Sheboygan Paper Box Company in Sheboygan, before retiring.

Barbara was an avid bridge player, enjoyed getting lost in her mystery novels, was passionate about cheering on her alma mater, The KU Jayhawks (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!), adored her grandchildren, and cherished spending time together with her family.

Barbara is survived by her two children, Sharon Grace Magill of San Diego and Kerry Wilson of Madison; her six grandchildren, Juliet (Jeremy) Trieloff of Chicago, Danielle Wilson (Jake Scherf) of Madison, Megan (Todd) Allen of Virginia, Rebecca Silady of Connecticut, Nicholas (Mona) Silady of San Diego, and Emily Silady of San Diego; and her six great-grandchildren, Luke, Isaac and Mikayla Allen of Virginia, Claira Silady of San Diego, Nolan Trieloff of Chicago, and Arabella Silady of San Diego.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry Magill, her son Kevin Wilson, and her beloved husband.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caretakers, staff, and friends at Oak Park Place for their care, support, and companionship.

A private family service will be held in her remembrance. The family requests that memorials be made to the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434