Remembering an Original Visionary - Barbara Jo Butler
Dr. Barbara Jo Butler, a compassionate optometrist and co-founder of Visionary Eye Care Professionals in Chicago, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband, friends, and family. She was 72.
Barbara was born on July 14, 1953, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to the late Stanley Albert and Betty (Ross) Butler. She grew up in Wisconsin, attending Hartland Elementary and Arrowhead Union High School. Her academic journey was marked by a continued pursuit of knowledge, leading her through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha, and Northwestern University. Possessing a beautiful and powerful voice, she used her music degree as the foundation for a successful career as an opera singer. Demonstrating her diverse talents and passions, she later pursued a second career and graduated summa cum laude from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1993.
A dedicated professional, Dr. Butler was widely known to her patients as a meticulous and caring optometrist. As the co-founder of Visionary Eye Care Professionals, she created a thriving neighborhood eye clinic where the focus was always on respectful, individualized care and giving back to the community.
Beyond her professional life, Barbara engaged in quiet philanthropy, generously supporting many political and humanitarian causes without seeking public acknowledgement, and tirelessly advocating for cat rescue. She found joy in the simple things, with special loves including science fiction and her cherished cats.
Barbara will be remembered for her bright mind, quick wit, and profound kindness. She was a deeply compassionate and generous woman who consistently put the needs of others first. Her life was guided by a belief in the cycles of life, a deep respect for all others, and a profound connection to nature. Her motto was “Sing like no one is listening.”
She is survived by her devoted husband, Rick Silterra; her brother, David Christian Butler; her sister-in-law, Nancy Ellen (Bertram) Butler; and her nephew, Calvin Christian Butler.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to a local cat rescue organization or a humanitarian charity of your choice, including Volunteer Optometric Services To Humanity (VOSH) to continue her legacy of quiet kindness and generosity.
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Every Visionary staff member current and prior knew Barbara to be the kindest, most steadfast soul. We’re grateful to have had her in our lives and will live on strong in our hearts. You are forever a Visionary to us, Barbara. We love you, and rest peacefully.
