Barbara Gaffke Obituary

So sorry for the loss of your Mother. My Aunt Barbara was a beautiful woman both inside and out. Hugs to you and your family and prayers for peace.

Our deepest condolences to Mike and the Gaffke Family. We hope that you will be comforted somewhat by great memories.

I loved Dr. Barbara Gaffke's Professionalism at the table and her passion to protect the nurses and the public. I learned so much from Dr. Gaffke as a younger nurse. Dr. Barbara Gaffke was one of my professors who helped me with my dissertation in 2014. So, many nurses at my workplace love the way Barbara protected the frontline nurse.

I am so sorry for your loss. I know of Barbara through Dolores Schroeder, to whom she was a much beloved aunt and friend. I loved hearing stories and updates about her- she was so thoughtful and present, and quite the force of nature- and I wish I could have known her better. I know she will be much missed and there will be an empty space in Dolly´s heart for some time. My heart goes out to all of you in this time of sorrow.

An involved CCNBNA member especially the Health Policy Committee she had boots on the ground and was informed and kept us informed. We miss her already.

Back in about 1960, my cousin Barb was in nursing training when she rescued a large angelfish from a hospital indoor fountain who was being bullied and overwhelmed by a school of goldfish. She brought the angelfish over to our living room aquarium where it quickly adapted to a new home. In less than a week, she paired with a fantail angelfish male and she started laying eggs on the sword plant folliage, followed by the male swimming behind to fertilize the eggs. They mated for life and produced many angel families. This was my first experience of biology and a source of my fascination with animals. Eventually I became a vetetinarian. She went out of her way to provide a home for that angelfish.

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.