Barbara Anne Claffey (nee Clark) entered eternal life on Tuesday, June 26, 2012.
Barbara was born on March 20, 1933 in Manitowoc, to the late William and Evangeline (nee Kazilek) Clark. She attended St. Boniface Catholic Elementary School in Manitowoc. Barbara graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc , where she had her own newspaper column in the "Hi Tower Flashes" paper. She went on to attend college at the University of Wisconsin- Manitowoc Extension. Barbara served her community honorably, volunteering to help with church activities and other ministries she was passionate about. She said one of the most honorable services she performed was as a counselor for the Billy Graham Crusade when it came to Milwaukee.
Barbara married Vincent Joseph Claffey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1954 and built her life around him and their five children until she became incapacitated in recent years. She was married to Vincent for nearly 60 years. She and Vincent lived in Milwaukee for most of their lives, and finally moved to West Bend to retire. Barbara did secretarial work for various organizations including Schaum Publications and The Right to Life organization. Although Barbara worked hard outside the home for many years, her main desire she said, was to be a wife and a mother.
Church was a major part of Barbara's life. As a child, she grew up in the St. Boniface Church parish in Manitowoc. Later, she was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and then, St. Phillip Neri Church in Milwaukee for many years. In her own words, she wrote that she came to know the Lord personally "in her heart" in her mid 30's, when she said she finally realized how much God loved her and how important the Bible was to her personally. Her favorite scriptures were Psalm 23, Romans 8:28-29, John 3:16, and the "love chapter" of 1 Corinthians. These Bible verses tell a lot about her faith, values and life. Her favorite song was "Amazing Grace," which tells more about her core beliefs. Barbara said in recent years that the most important legacy she wanted to leave for others was to believe in and love the Lord Jesus Christ.
She loved spending time with her family, going on picnics, summer vacations to the Dells, Door County and to a cabin "up north." In her later years, she came to love the Packers and even playing tennis and roller skating with her grandkids. She loved reading, music, knitting, crocheting, and watching movies. She especially loved watching figure skating events. She rarely missed the annual Wisconsin State Fair where she won ribbons at times for knitting project entries. She also received at least one Blue Ribbon for her pecan pie. Barbara spent many hours knitting for others, and many newborns received a set of her award-winning cap, sweater, and booties. She was politically active, always standing up for what she believed in; writing letters and making phone calls whenever she felt it necessary. Most importantly, she tried to keep in touch with everyone she cared about; a feat with work, children and grand-children. She taught her children by example: serving her community and her church, the importance of honesty, respecting all people, and perhaps most of all, commitment. Her loved ones could say that "Perseverance" could have been her middle name. Barbara showed that commitment in all her relationships, including her marriage of nearly 60 years, her deep friendships that lasted decades, her loyalty to her mother and siblings, and her love for her five children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a woman who enjoyed intellectual discussions about politics, religion and social issues that she stood for. She enjoyed cooking her "specialty dishes" for those she loved. If someone was sick, she would show up with a batch of cookies, a pie, or the favorite Clark family recipe of liver dumpling soup. She touched the lives of many people with her friendly smile and kind words. She was loved dearly and will be missed always by those who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her husband Vincent Joseph Claffey, her five children, Suzanne Kropidlowski of Wauwatosa, WI, Anne (Gary) Claffey of Shorewood, WI, Patrick Claffey of West Bend, WI, Kristine Claffey of Greendale, WI, and Mary (Christopher) Heisler of Lafayette, OR; six grandchildren, Jason (Katie), Steven, Lisa, Matthew, John and Sarah. Great-grandchildren include Emma , Ethan, Ella and Everett. Barbara was the last of her siblings to survive, but is survived by dearly loved in-laws Ruth and Dorothy Clark, the Claffey family, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many dear, long-time friends that were like family to her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; sisters, Monica (Robert) Beyer and Genevieve (Jack) Berschens; brothers, William Clark and Owen Clark. Funeral services in remembrance of Barbara will be held on Saturday, June 30th at 11:00 am at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorials in Barbara's name to Neurofibromatosis Society are appreciated. You can donate by mailing a check to NF Midwest, 473 Dunham Rd, Suite 3, St. Charles, IL 60174
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Wolter, the entire staff of the Samaritan Health Center, and Season's Hospice for the kind and compassionate care given to Barbara.