Barbara Joanna Hammond (née Kohout), age 63, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family and career.
Barbara was born on September 14, 1962, the beloved daughter of Francis and Constance Kohout. She graduated from Glenbard East High School in 1980 and went on to attend Illinois State University, where she earned her degree in Marketing in 1984.
On December 29, 1995, Barbara married Ronald Hammond, with whom she shared a life filled with love, devotion, and cherished family moments. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unwavering support for one another.
Barbara began her professional career at Montgomery Ward, where through hard work and determination she advanced to become a buyer. Her career path later led her to JDA, where she served as Vice President of Educational Services. She took great pride in her work and valued the relationships and accomplishments her career brought her.
Beyond her professional achievements, Barbara had a deep love for traveling and musical theatre. She embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. Known for her gentle spirit and warm heart, Barbara was truly the sweetest person one could ever meet. To know her was to love her. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring sister, and treasured friend who will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved daughters, Katherine Olivia Hammond and Julia Alexis Hammond; her brother, Frank (Nancy) Kohout; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Constance Kohout, and by her beloved husband, Ronald “Ron” Hammond.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a service at 1:00 p.m., all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be directed to Ovarian Cancer Research.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Deepest sympathies to the family! I have the fondest memories - we worked together at Montgomery Wards. Prayers to all!
I love you Barbie, rest now. We got it from here!!!🩵🩵🌈
I am so very sorry Katie, Julia, Frank, Nancy and the many who are heartbroken. "To know her is to love her", I'm sure everyone that reads that feels like that captures the spirit and essence of Barb. She always had a twinkle in her eye, smile on her face and a kind and funny word to share, that showed how much she cared. My beautiful, kind and funny cousin, you will forever be in my heart and prayers.
Our deepest condolences to the family as you come to terms with the passing of Barbara. I was one of the fortunate folks to work under Barbara's leadership at JDA. I still fondly remember her kindness, compassion and true humanity. She was a pillar for our entire team, leading the team fearlessly with grace and mentoring all of us. She will always be remembered fondly.