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Barbara Gaffke
1939 - 2025
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Barbara Gaffke Obituary
Barbara peacefully passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on October 22, 1939, she lived a life full of love, service, and adventure. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, John, her parents, Frank and Catherine, and her siblings, Robert, Dolores, and Fred. Cherishing her memory are her children: Michael (Lara Muldoon) Gaffke, Jeanine (Michael Kane) Gaffke, and Corinne (James) McKeag. Barbara's greatest joys were her four grandchildren-Aidan, Elise, Vivienne, and Lilliana – with whom she shared countless adored moments. A devoted nurse for over six decades, Barbara was a source of care, compassion, and wisdom to many – including her beloved nieces and nephews. She earned her nursing degree from St. Elizabeth Nursing School and went on to receive both her master's and PhD in Nursing from Loyola University Chicago. Barbara was deeply involved in her community. She helped establish the Park Ridge Homeowners Club, was a devoted parishioner of St. Paul of the Cross Church for 57 years, and actively supported animal shelters in Chicago and Lake Geneva, WI. A passionate advocate, she was also a Democratic Party activist and a leader in both the Illinois Nursing Association and the Illinois Black Nurses Association. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068 followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul of the Cross Church, 320 S Washington Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068. The service will be live-streamed here. In honor of Barbara's legacy, donations may be made to AMVETS, 4647 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, MD 20706, Lakeland Animal Shelter, ATTN: Donations, P.O. Box 1000 Elkhorn, WI 53121, or the Chicago Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association – Health Policy Committee, P.O. Box 4612 Chicago, IL 60680. For more information, please visit ryan-parke.com or call (847) 823-1171.
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Memorial Events
for Barbara Gaffke
Sep
13
Funeral services provided by:
Ryan-Parke Funeral Home - Park Ridge120 South Northwest Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Gaffke
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
5 Entries
Dr. Mildred Taylor DNP, RN
Yesterday
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.
Ellen Hyker
September 10, 2025
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.
CCNBNA Past President
September 9, 2025
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.
Raymond Gniadek DVM
September 9, 2025
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.
The Staff of Ryan-Parke Funeral Home
September 9, 2025
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
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