Barbara Lois Maack

Maack, Barbara Lois
Barbara Maack, age 60, of Phoenix, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2013. A highly respected and well-loved member of the Phoenix broadcast community, Barbara was a native of Iowa, and moved to Glendale, Arizona as a child with her brother Frank and her mother, Chloe "Skip" Maack. The Maack family grew when in the mid-1970s Loc Tan Nguyen, a young Vietnamese refugee, was welcomed into the home of Barbara's family. Barbara graduated from Glendale High School and studied journalism at Glendale Community College and photography at Nikon School of Photography. Her famous passion for helping others started early with volunteer work with the National Conference for Community and Justice (f/k/a National Conference of Christians and Jews). In her successful career as a journalist, Barbara served as editor-in-chief for the Peoria Times, reporter/ photographer for the Sun City Citizen, and writer/photographer for Marianne Boich Publication Services before moving into television and radio. Barbara grew up loving the shows and characters on local Phoenix TV and radio. That love was combined with a strong work ethic when she served as Promotion Manager for KTVK-TV 3, Creative Services Manager for KAET-TV, and Promotion Manager for KTAR AM and K-Lite FM, and KNIX FM. Her extensive knowledge of Phoenix media led the NFL Players Association to select Barbara to serve as its Media Coordinator for Super Bowl XXX. After working for many years in local media, Barbara shifted focus but maintained her drive and passion for helping others when for 13 years she championed healthy moms and babies as State Communications Director for the Arizona Chapter of the March of Dimes. Barbara also fought to improve the lives of workers while serving as Campaign Communications Director for SEIU. She was a long-time member of the Phoenix Chapter of American Women in Radio and Television and was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of the House of Broadcasting, Arizona's Radio & Television Museum, where she served on their Board of Directors as Communications Chair. Barbara spent every day with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. Her inner light, joy and energy were evident to everyone who was lucky enough to call her a friend or colleague. Barbara's laughter was contagious, and she always knew exactly what a friend needed: a knowing smile, a few words of encouragement, or a kick in the pants. Barbara touched many lives and hearts with her generous and beautiful spirit, and while the huge loss will be felt, she will long be remembered for how enthusiastically she approached life with intelligence, humor and boundless curiosity. Barbara had remarkable optimism; she loved people, her pets, and nature. She possessed creative instincts and was an outstanding writer. Her interests and tastes in music, art, books, radio, TV and film were eclectic and fascinating. Barbara is preceded in death by her mother, brothers Frank and Loc, and stepfather Robert Maack. Her survivors include her cousin Julie Houx, nephews Derek Maack and Brian Nguyen, as well as other extended family. She also leaves behind Jack Russell terrier mix Leon Russell Maack (who adopted her) and hundreds of friends who will miss her deeply, including Barry Gordon, Randee Mossburg, Linda Horrell and MaryAlice Minard. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration of Barbara's life on Saturday, November 2, 2013, in the auditorium of the East Valley Institute of Technology at 1601 West Main Street, in Mesa, AZ 85201. Stories and tributes will be shared 2:00-4:00 PM followed by a reception. With regard to memorial contributions to honor Barbara (a/k/a "Bootsie," "Barb," "Babs"), it would thrill her if you donate funds or your time to your favorite charity or humanitarian cause. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."