Barbara Rose Salabsky

Barbara Rose Salabsky 1949 ~ 2008 On October 9, 2008 Barbara Rose Salabsky, age 59, beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends, after a very short battle with cancer. This is a tremendous loss to her son Steven, her family and her many friends and colleagues. In addition, Salt Lake City, and the Veteran's Hospital in particular, has lost a very capable, dedicated, passionate nurse. Barbara was born March 31, 1949 in Bethlehem, PA to Michael Salabsky and Margaret Smell. She graduated from Liberty High School, Bethlehem, PA, in 1967, and then joined the United States Air Force, where she served as a dental assistant from 1967 to 1971. She earned an Associates of Arts Degree from San Antonio College in 1973. In 1977, she graduated as valedictorian of her class at St. Dominic's School of Nursing, Jackson, Mississippi. Typical of her adventurous spirit, she traveled West, where she assumed her first nursing position during the 'glory days' at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City. She left Holy Cross to work at Jordan Valley Hospital, then back to Holy Cross Hospital, but ultimately found her niche at the Veteran's Hospital in Salt Lake City in 1994, where she has worked for the past 14 years. Barbara is survived by her son, Steven Salabsky; daughter Erika Eisenman, mother Peggy Salabsky; sister Lois Kruppa; brother, Michael Salabsky, Jr.; nephews Justin, Jesse, Daniel, Marcus, and Mikey; and numerous colleagues and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Salabsky. Barbara's family expresses their sincerest thanks to the Veteran's Hospital, the University of Utah Hospital, and the Huntsman Cancer Institute for their diligence, excellent care, and thoughtful compassion during Barbara's very short, but courageous battle with this disease. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a cancer research center/institute/foundation. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 700 S. 1100 E., Salt Lake City. Friends are invited to stay for 'memory sharing' after the service. Condolences/notes can be sent to the family at carepages.com /Barbara Salabsky