Barbara MILLER

20 JAN 1935 - 24 FEB 2015

• BIRTH: 20 JAN 1935, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 24 FEB 2015, Denver, Colorado

1.  Kim CICHOCKI

INDEX

[N12573] Barbara Cichocki
Jan. 20, 1935 - Feb. 24, 2015
SOUTH BEND - Barbara M. (Miller) Cichocki passed away peacefully on February 24, 2015, in Colorado, surrounded by the people she loved dearly. She was born on January 20, 1935, to the late Oren L. and Irene V. (Bajdek) Miller in South Bend, Indiana. On June 15, 1957, Barbara married Robert J. Cichocki, and together they had two children, Brian and Kim. She is survived by daughter, Kim (Randy) Bates; grandchildren, Nicole and Ryan Sokolowski; great-grandsons, Keaton and Cole; step-grandchildren, Ellyn (Justin) Lombardi, Erin and Kyle Bates; step-great-granddaughter, Corrina Lombardi; and too many extended family members to mention. Barbara was preceded in death by husband, Robert; son, Brian; sister and best friend, Joan Keultjes; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own. Barb previously worked at Gilbert's, Hank's Friendly Super, Partners Health Plan, before retiring from Michiana Family Medicine in 2013. She then moved to Indianapolis to help Nicole take care of Keaton and Cole. In August 2014, Bussie packed up for one last adventure and followed Nicole and the boys to Denver, Colorado, where she was blessed to live with her grandson, Ryan. Her parents traveled to Colorado frequently, with Pops always referring to it as "God's Country" - and once she arrived - she knew exactly what he meant. Bobbie loved spending time with her family and was in her glory when everyone could get together. She was famous for her meatless spaghetti, pork sandwiches, and yellow cakes. Mertz enjoyed her years at Hank's, hanging out with the gang over lunch. She was easy going, with a calm and quiet strength. You could often find Barb at Kim and Randy's pool, kibitzing under the cabana, solving many of the world's problems, and creating a couple new ones. The relationship she had with Kim was truly special, and she always marveled at the wonderful job Kim did raising Nicole and Ryan. More than anything though - Bussie simply adored her Fluflu and Buddy, and lived to spoil them every chance she got! A Mass to celebrate Barb's life will be held on March 21 at 11:00 am at Church of Our Lady of Loretto, located at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of St. Joseph County. Bussie's greatest passion in life was her family. Losing her beloved Brian was devastating, but like she always did, Bobbie put her own heartache aside, making sure to take care of everyone else. She was always there, whenever needed, to help save the day - so it was no surprise when she packed her bags and moved to Indy, then Colorado, to help those she loved. Taking care of Keaton and Coley truly gave her life meaning, and it's fitting that she got to spend her last months in "God's Country", surrounded by the people she cherished and who cherished her. Now she is truly in God's Country, surrounded by the people she cherishes and who cherish her.Published in South Bend Tribune on Mar. 18, 2015