Barbara Ellen (Kosarko) Ninkovich
Barbara Ellen (Kosarko) Ninkovich , Age 80
Barbara Ellen (Kosarko) Ninkovich, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2020 at Meadow View Memory Care from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.
Born to Stephen and Joan (Sypudt) Kosarko on July 18, 1939, she spent her enjoyable childhood surrounded by her loving brother and a close-knit group of cousins on Chicago's Southside. Educated in Chicago parochial schools, she graduated in 1957 from SS Peter and Paul High School. Upon graduation she began her career as an executive secretary for Union Carbide, commuting to the loop each day for over 40 years.
Barb's wedding to her soul mate, Thomas Ninkovich, took place on a beautiful fall day, October 7, 1972 at St. George Catholic Church in Chicago. The newlyweds settled in Calumet City, IL and, along with their cherished dog, Buffy, enjoyed almost 26 years of happiness until Tom's untimely death.
A holiday visit to Baraboo persuaded her to relocate and she happily settled into her new home in 2008. There she made new friends and enjoyed many fun family gatherings with her cousins, Sharon & Wayne, and their extended family.
Besides her sense of humor, sweet personality and sense of style, Barb will be most remembered as a talented artist. After just a few "fun" art classes, she quickly became a serious painter. Despite praise from many, she was too modest to accept how gifted and talented she was. Her family will have her beautiful paintings and etchings to remember her by.
Barb is survived by her loving cousins, who cared for her in her last years, Sharon & Wayne Maffei, their children, Michael (Kate) Maffei, Bryan Maffei, Mandy (Brett) Schmit and her "favorite people", Anthony & Colin Maffei and Camryn & Hayden Schmit. She is also survived by her niece, Lisa (Jeffrey) Bauc, her cousins and dear friends, many dating back to her childhood.
She was preceded in death by beloved husband, parents, and brother Tommy.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sauk County Humane Society or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A sincere thanks to the wonderful, caring, and supportive staff at Meadow View and Agrace Hospice as well as Dr. James Mathers, for making Barb's last year as comfortable as possible.
Condolences
Brooke Bode April 19, 2020
Agrace CNA Baraboo , Wisconsin
I had such a wonderful time with Barb whenever I saw her. Her paintings were so beautiful!! I am very impressed and sad with her passing. â¤
Debbie Dumakowski April 19, 2020
former nurse to Joan Kosarko at the Hammond Clinic in Munster Indiana Munster , Indiana
I was so very sad to hear about Barb's passing. I adored her. She always brought her mom in for her check ups at the clinic. I was her nurse. She was so very kind towards her. We used to talk about many things not always related to the visit, (mostly just about life itself). It's so hard when you lose track of the special people you come across and wonder where they are now in their lives. Thank you to whomever for putting this Obit in my local paper. When I read it, it was bittersweet. Prayers to all.
Kathy Siberz April 21, 2020
church Baraboo , Wisconsin
I was sorry to hear of Barb's death. Although I didn't know her well, she was always so nice and friendly when she came to the church office. She will be missed.