Barbara “Barb” Jean Purcell, 90, of Milan, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 302 1st St. West, Milan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 7th, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. Memorials may be left in care of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Barb was born on November 24, 1935, in Kankakee, IL, the daughter of Bernard and Viriginia (Mathews) Klonowski. She attended Saint Stanislaus School in Kankakee up until 8th Grade, then finished her education at Brookport High School. She married Loyd Purcell on July 22, 1953, in Corinth, Mississippi. In 1961, they settled down in the Quad Cities. Loyd preceded her in death on February 11, 1989, at the age of 55.

Barb worked at a chiropractic clinic for five years, before becoming a sales associate in the children’s department at Von Maur for over 20 years.

Barb was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan, where she was involved with the Blue Cross Mission Ladies and Will-A-Bees. She enjoyed serving luncheons, making lap quilts, and helping with the church’s rummage sale. Barb was known for sending handwritten cards to friends and family for every occasion. She enjoyed collecting oil and vinegar cruets and Coca-Cola glasses. Her hobbies included gardening, canning vegetables, and reading. Barb had a special place in her heart for cats and dogs and often took in strays.

Those left to cherish Barb’s memory include her son, Scott Purcell; daughter-in-law, Marcy Purcell; grandchildren, Joshua (Jennifer) Purcell, Daniel Purcell, Rhiannon Purcell (Jimmy Sappington), Tevin (Ashley) Purcell, and Arion Cox; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and sons, Audie and Michael Purcell.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.