Barbara-Gaffke-Obituary

Barbara Gaffke

Chicago, Illinois

1939 - 2025-09-04 (Age 85)

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DIED
September 4, 2025
AGE
85
LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois

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Gaffke, BarbaraBarbara 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....

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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...

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.