Barbara Jean Zarro

Barbara Jean Zarro passed away in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1st, 2026, at the age of 84.

Barbara was born in Chicago in 1941 to Susan and William Lubinski. She grew up with her late sister, Shirley, in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, where she attended Holy Family Academy. Barbara was a good student and had considered studying science in college. However, while she was in high school, she got a job at Fairfield Savings & Loan and her hard work was so appreciated that she was offered a full-time job right out of school.

In 1964, she married Walter Zarro (born Uzarowicz), a postal worker, former U.S. Navy service member, bartender, artist, and professional wrestler who went by the name of the "Polish Eagle." Wally and Barbara built a house in Schaumburg, Illinois, where they had many memorable parties. The couple later moved to Tucson for the good weather and natural beauty. In Tucson, Barb got a job at a real estate company and started showing people how to take care of their new homes.

Barb was a great reader - she always had a novel going. She also loved classic movies, music, board games, needlework, flowers, and puzzles. After Wally died in 1996, Barbara spent a lot of time with friends and cousins, especially the late John Hoffman. She enjoyed seeing other places, including Hawaii. Barb never had any children of her own, but she was a friend to other people's children. She helped underprivileged children learn to read. She kept pictures of the children on her wall, calling them "her kids."

Barbara was a devout Catholic and always kind, generous, and friendly to everyone, showing her beautiful smile and grey-blue eyes. She loved the Arizona sunshine. In her final years, she received help from cousins and her wonderful caregivers, Maria Copeland and Elvira Parra, and the people at Agape Hospice.

Survivors include many cousins and friends in Chicago, Tucson, and Southern Illinois.

Barbara is buried at Our Lady of the Desert Cemetery next to her beloved Wally. A memorial Mass will be held at St. Viator's Catholic Church in Chicago on August 1st, 2026.