Mrs. Barbara Maslowski

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Barbara Maslowski. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Barbara was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of Natalia and Filemon Klepadlo. Barbara was raised in Poland. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Barbara's personality throughout her life.

      Though Barbara was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Barbara was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Barbara worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Barbara was raised with six siblings. She had six younger siblings, Stanley, Ziggy, Janusz, Tadeusz, Roza and Teresa. Barbara and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Barbara was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Barbara was always tactful. One thing Barbara will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Barbara had a number of interests and was an active child. Barbara took part in cycling, horseback riding and hiking. She was a girl scout.

      For Barbara, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Barbara was also adept at details. Barbara was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Marie Curie Sklodowska high school in Krakow in 1972. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      There was one thing that all of Barbara's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Barbara was such a popular person throughout her life. But Barbara was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Barbara was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Barbara was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Barbara was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Barbara was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Barbara made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, she became friends with Irene and Wally Falinski, Hubert and Elizabeth Ostrega, Maria Moskalik, Marta and Ziggy Wisniewski, Adam and Lucina Wito, Marian and Sofia Czyz, and so many other wonderful people that we don't have space to list out. She loves all of you for being in her life.

      Barbara was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Barbara cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On May 29, 1982 Barbara married Antoni Maslowski at St. Jacobs of Chicago, Illinois. Compassionate and devoted, Barbara worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Barbara and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Barbara was blessed with 2 children, Gregory Michael and Mark Matthew. Barbara was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Barbara was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Barbara would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Barbara, and she expected the same from those around her. Barbara was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Barbara was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Barbara handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a manufacturer and homemaker. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Barbara enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were walking, fishing, beach visits, vacationing and cooking.

      Barbara was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Barbara was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included hiking and cycling. Tops on her list were figure skating and professional dancing.

         Her high moral standards and traditional values served Barbara well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. John Brebeuf for 26 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Barbara enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Florida, California, Thailand, Canada and Mexico.

      Barbara was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Scooter, a Maltese dog, who was a best friend for 1 year. Her family was rounded out by her dog Cora.

      Barbara passed away on November 18, 2009 at home. Fought a long battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her husband Antoni and her sons Mark and Greg. Services were held at St. John Brebeuf. Barbara was laid to rest in All Saints Cemetery.

      Barbara was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Barbara was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Barbara Maslowski.