Barbara Maklansky

Barbara McDonald Maklansky passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, with her daughter holding her hand and her son nearby. Barbara was born In San Angelo, Texas on April 28, 1936, to Alton Buie and Aunus Lee (Baldwin) Earle.

Rarely have so many lives been lived during a single sprint on this earth. So, which to look back upon? The life of a small West Texas girl? The life of a model? A wig saleswoman? A frozen-bread entrepreneur? Purveyor of folding bathtubs? A female executive in the 1970’s corporate culture? Wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend?

Any telling of her story would be woefully abridged unless someone had 90 years to sit down and listen. And listen is what people loved to do with Barbara. To gather bits of wisdom and love and joy.

She is reunited now with innumerable friends and family, but most notably her beloved husband Dr Mak, her sons David and Bobby, her precious grandson Jaden, her brother Harry and her stepson Michael.

Her story continues in another form now. And for her two children, seventeen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren that continue her legacy here, they will no doubt be sitting down to a wild telling of what comes next whenever they see her again.

We love you, GG, Mom, Grandma, Barbara!

Barbara is survived by her children Donald (Debra) McDonald and Suzanne (Michael) Dooley, also by stepsons Joseph (Debbie) Maklansky and Steven Maklansky

Her grandchildren, Rebecca (Dan), Conor (Betsy), Gaia (Anthony) Jakub (Jenna) Erick (Lily) Brendan, Kayli, Victoria, Max, Aramis, Kellen, Alyssa, Madison, Griffin, Chase, Sage and Ella.

Her great grandchildren, Desmond, Raylee, Daisy, Nathaniel, Kadence, Alexandra, Alton, Linus, Lily, Angus and Olive.

Her darling sister Judy and so many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her fierce love of family was her highest priority. Her wisdom and unconditional love wrapped every child during both celebrations and tragedies shaping their lives.

A burial service will be August 11, 2026 at 11 am.

Salem Fields Cemetery

755 Jamaica Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11208

Contributions in her memory can be sent to:

Aston Park employee fund.

Barbara lived at Aston Park for three years and watched several of her wonderful nurses and CNAs go forward with their education, I know she’d love to help more grow.

Checks can be sent to:

Aston Park Health Care Center

Aston Park Employee Fund

In Memory of Barbara Maklansky

380 Brevard Rd

Asheville NC 28806