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BORN

1941

DIED

2025

Barbara Capuzelo Obituary

Barbara Eve (Zavislak) Capuzelo, 84, passed December 13, 2025 at the Kansas City Hospice House.

She was born May 29, 1941 in Canonsburg, PA, the same place as singer Perry Como, she loved to say.

Her career started in Washington, DC. She met and married Jerry Capuzelo in Los Angeles when they both worked for TWA Airlines. Later, TWA took them all over the world for travel, and all over the country to live, including NY, CA, MA, and MO. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse at age 48, graduating with honors, oncology her main specialty and closest to her heart.

Barbara loved books, card games, animals, science fiction, & Mother Mary. She was very proud of her Polish ancestry. She was smart, spunky, and sweet to the very end, which was peaceful, on her terms, and surrounded by love.

She leaves behind her daughter, Jennifer Leigh Capuzelo Kiel, and two grandchildren, Natasha Eve Gibbs Kiel, and William Thory Kiel II, plus Natasha's husband, Malcolm Gibbs Kiel, her bonus grandchild.

Her sisters, Mary Ann, Cashy, Vicki, and Joyce, preceded in her death. A couple of weeks after Barbara's passing, their brother, Johnny, the last of the siblings, joined all of his sisters.

Private memorials to follow in CA, CO, MO.

Donations can be made to Wayside Waifs of Kansas City (animals), City of Hope (cancer), or Wounded Warriors (Veterans).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
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Marianne Hogbin (Capuzelo)

January 18, 2026

My deepest condolences to everyone. I was heartbroken to learn of her passing; I knew her for years after she and my brother married. So many good memories from spending time with her, talking, eating and just having a good time. She was a very warm and loving person and she will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

Mary Joyce Brownell

January 13, 2026

I love Kansas City. The memories I have of Aunt Bobbie and Jennifer welcoming me during the holidays will never be forgotten. Whenever I saw Aunt Bobbie, she always asked me if I was living my dreams. She was a wonderful reminder of all the possibilities life has to offer. I will miss her. My condolences to everyone mourning her loss.

Valie Wright

January 6, 2026

I was extremely sad to hear about Barbara passing. My condolence goes out to her family
Barbara had a heart of gold
She was my friends cancer nurse, she gave her strength and support when it was needed. I will always remember her smiling face and laugh. May she rest in peace.

Cindy Rodriguez

January 5, 2026

Barb and I completed our dream of being a nurse together. ABCD was our group . She was B, I was C. She was like a big sister/mom to me and I loved her. We reconnected this past year on Mothers Day. So many college memories!!!

Allison Godchaux

January 5, 2026

I am so sorry to learn that Babka has passed. The legacy of love and acceptance she had of others, as well as her joy in life will continue to reverberate on through those who knew her. I am grateful for having known her. My heart goes out to the family.

Memorial Tree

Allison & Julie

Planted Trees

Julie Godchaux-Linneman

January 5, 2026

There are just no words to describe this loss. I will miss Babka and her hugs so much. She was such a loving person with wit and character. Babka's warmth has touched all of us in both the sad and joyous moments. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Jennifer Nauss

January 5, 2026

Sending condolences to the family. Barbara had a big, beautiful spirit, and devoted so much of herself to caring for others going through serious illness. Truly a person who gave back to the world and made it a better place. Rest in peace.

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