Barbara Mary Kosiek

Barbara Mary Kosiek

Barbara Mary Kosiek, nee Daro, 79, went home to God on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with her children nearby. Barbara was born to Stanley and Sabina Daro on September 5, 1945, in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. Her father had said that, after three years in the Aleutian Islands during WWII, it took a week to thaw and Barbara was born nine months later. She was followed by the late Deborah Daro Tuggle, who died on August 18, 2025, in 1949 and Timothy Daro in 1952.

Barbara attended St Mark Parish grammar school, Siena High School, the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago, where she met Frank Cannon, father of her children Mary Ellyn (Jason) Dunn and Frank (Sara) Cannon. She was a loving grandma to Brittany Fitzler, Fiona Cannon and Elliot Cannon, plus her "bonus" grandkids, Jake (Taylor), Justin and Maggie Dunn.

After raising her children in Downers Grove, Illinois, Barbara embarked on her other two passions in life, the medical profession and her intense engagement with the Catholic Church communities of St Joseph, Divine Savior and, for many years, Christ The Servant in Woodridge, Illinois, where she lived until her long-running battle with cancer impelled her to move to Omaha, Nebraska, to be near her daughter and family. She died at a hospice in Omaha, after a courageous battle with her cancer.

Barbara's career in the medical field involved dedicated service to multiple doctors, for whom she served as a med tech and office manager, over the years. Even after moving to Omaha near the end of her life, she continued to maintain records for her last suburban Chicago medical employer. Always a meticulous woman with the nicest handwriting, she carefully maintained manual, then electronic records, for her doctors, something that gave her great pride.

Her Catholic Church involvement was nurtured by the great nuns she had in grammar and high school, as well as the parishes where she was a staunch member and devoted helper in many ministries and parish groups. She was a lector, cantor, EM, RCIA facilitator and writer of intercessory prayers. She did the latter task long-distance from Omaha for CTS, quite close to the end of her life.

The following recap of Barbara's parish and charitable involvements was provided by her longtime friend, Paula Rosenbeck of CTS...Christ The Servant Parish started 35 years ago. Barb was instrumental in its formation, helping to organize the first Mass held in a public school. The fledgling parish used the school for several years. She was a Lector at the first Mass. Served on a commission to build a church. Taught CCD for several years, also RCIA. Was a member of the Parish Council several years, Worship commission for many, many years. Chair for at least six years. Was Lector and Eucharistic Minister forever, until she moved. Choir Member for 35+ years here and at Divine Savior. Wrote the most beautiful weekly intercessions for 35+ years, even while in Nebraska, up until the last six months of her life. Barb also helped many people with Insulin who could not afford meds as well as inhalers and other drugs she begged her pharma reps to provide. I often called her for help when clients at the food pantry needed help. I reciprocated with med supplies from my NP daughter in FL. It got to the point my daughter Laura would call about excess med supplies she had and I simply handed the, phone to Barb, since they spoke the same med language.

Barbara is also survived by her nieces and nephews, including Anna and Anderson Tuggle, Meghan and Matthew Daro.

Barbara's remains were interred atop her father, Stanley Daro at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hometown (Evergreen Park), Illinois, with the service performed by Father Bob of CTS and attended by a number of parishioner friends of Barbara. Additional remains will be buried at sea in honor of her favorite pastime, cruising, in the company of her family.

She will be remembered by many for her characteristic catch phrase "with it" and she certainly was.