Valerie J. “Jill” Malich, nee Barnacle, age 79, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025 in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Devoted wife of Dennis Malich.  They married on May 2, 1970.  Proud mother of Matthew (Kimberly) and Nicholas Malich.  Cherished sister of John (Tina), Donald (Karen) Barnacle, Jenine Zaleski, Jim (Gail) and Ronald (Gene) Barnacle.  Dear grandmother of Trinity, Gavin, Nevaeh, John Roy and Lee Ann.  Fond great-grandmother of Beyorn.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Juanita Barnacle, and a sister, Donna Baker.  Born on January 2, 1946 in Hinsdale, IL, Jill lived a life full of love, laughter, and unshakable resilience.  She also loved her flowers.  She was one-of-a-kind and she will be deeply missed. Her family will honor her life at a Memorial Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301-75^th Street, Downers Grove.                                                          Funeral home phone 630/964-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com