Barbara Elaine Waszkiewicz

May 10, 1937 – September 28, 2025

Barbara Waszkiewicz, age 88, of Rochester, Michigan, formerly of Spring Hill, Florida, and Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Barbara was a proud daughter of Polish heritage, growing up in a home rooted in faith, family, and tradition. In 1956, she married the love of her life, Richard Waszkiewicz, and together they built a life filled with devotion, raising their two children, Patricia and David.

Barbara was an extraordinary homemaker, known for her warm heart, incredible cooking, and mouth-watering baked goods. She brought love and comfort to every meal and every gathering. She was also known for being a skilled seamstress and created countless beautiful garments. While living in Chicago, she was an active parishioner at St. Joseph and St. Anne Catholic Church, volunteering her time and talents to her church community.

In 1984, Barbara and Richard relocated to Spring Hill, Florida, where she began a second career working in the kitchen at Springstead High School for ten years. A faithful member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, she joined the Council of Catholic Women and devoted herself to charitable causes, including crocheting afghans to support Catholic missions—an act of love that touched countless lives.

In 2023, Barbara moved to Michigan to be closer to her children and grandchildren, a blessing to her and her family in her final years. She witnessed the growth of her four grandchildren into adulthood and was overjoyed to meet and know her three great-grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her devoted children Patricia Waszkiewicz and David (Wendy) Waszkiewicz; her cherished grandchildren Valerie (Danny) Hutchings, Timothy Anderson, Peter (Rebecca) Waszkiewicz, and Matthew (Kristy) Waszkiewicz; and her treasured great-grandchildren Carter Hutchings, James Waszkiewicz, and Luke Waszkiewicz.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard (1995); her brother Valentine (1981); her father, also Valentine (1962); and her mother, Marie (2000).

She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.