Barbara was born on February 22, 1944 in Romulus, Michigan to Kenneth and Elizabeth Love. On July 13, 1968, she married, her true love, Lee H. Kaste, her husband of 51 years. They raised three children: Amy, Todd, and Jennifer. In 1978, the family moved from Haslett, Michigan to Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the entire family still resides. Barbara first worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and ultimately became a Data Specialist for St. Lucie Public Schools at Floresta Elementary, where she worked for over 20 years until her retirement in 2008.
Barbara took great pride in taking charge as an excellent leader and organizer, both at work and in the community. She was an active member of the Port St. Lucie Little League, serving as League President for several years. At work, she was the go-to person for teachers and staff, who also valued and trusted her judgment and expertise as a union representative. She always persisted and fought hard to ensure that teachers and other school employees were treated fairly. She was instrumental in starting and setting up the local chapter of the teacher’s union for non-instructional employees. When she retired, she continued to work hard for the teacher’s union, serving as president of its retired members chapter for several years.
Barbara loved flowers, especially orchids. Her house and porch have always been filled with plants. Upon retirement, she and her husband Lee started a business called Glass Creations, making and selling yard art constructed from recycled glassware. They enjoyed making and selling their work around the country. Barbara also loved cooking, baking, reading, and playing Bridge. She was in her element when having her children and grandchildren over for many a delicious home-cooked dinner. Her many varieties of homemade cookies were a favorite of family and friends. Barbara also loved trips to the small gambling town of Biloxi, where she would play her favorite slot machines. She had an uncanny ability to bring home quite a bit more money than she left home with.
Barbara is survived by her husband Lee, her three children Amy Janicki and spouse Richard Janicki, Todd Kaste and his spouse Jennifer Kaste, and Jennifer Pizzarello and her spouse Peter Pizzarello, as well as her sister Carolyn Serlick, brother Robert Love, and sister Linda Hammond. She also has six grandchildren who brought her much joy, Madison, Nicholas, Andrew, Sammy, Tyler, and Max.
A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Aycock Funeral Home 1504 SE Floresta Drive Port St Lucie, Florida 34983
Memorial gifts/donations can be referred to Aycock Funeral Home.
Aycock Funeral Home in Port St. Lucie has been entrusted with arrangements.
