Barbara Jean Kaminski

Barbara passed away Wednesday January 29, 2025 at the age of 94, just ten weeks shy of her 95th birthday. She was born in Toledo Ohio on April 7, 1930 to Raymond & Marie (Snyder) Hudson. Barbara married Bernard F. Chapp on October 26, 1950 in Toledo, and he preceded her in death. She married Bernard J. Kaminski on June 4, 1983, who also preceded her in death. Barbara attended Ladyfield Elementary school, Central Catholic High, St. Mary's College (Notre Dame Indiana), and the University of Toledo. She received her Master of Education on June 13, 1972 from the University of Toledo. Barbara taught school for thirty-two years in Toledo at St. Pious, Rosary Cathedral, Reynolds, and Beverly school. Over the course of her teaching career Barbara taught all Elementary school grade levels, but fondly talked about the years she spent going to camp with her sixth grade students. Her most memorable trip was during the "Blizzard of '78" when she and her students were snowed in at camp Storer in Napoleon Michigan, becoming famous overnight. The students were thrilled to have their picture in the paper upon their return home to Toledo. Barbara always talked about how privileged she was to have worked with her wonderful students and parents. She enjoyed seeing the children perform on stage in musicals such as "The History of the United States", and "The Story of Transportation" following the students research on the respective subjects as well as their involvement in painting related backgrounds to tell the story reflecting what they had learned. Following her retirement, Barbara moved to Florida and soon found she missed the children. She then decided to become a substitute teacher and taught classes ranging from preschool to eighth grade in Key West, Sugarloaf, Big Pine Key and Marathon Florida. Music was an essential part of her life. She took great pleasure in playing her keyboards for residents in senior communities in Toledo, Michigan, and the Florida Keys, where she taught "Keyboard Magic" to seniors at the Senior Center on Big Pine Key and at Venture Out on Cudjo Key. While living in Toledo she was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Choir, and also Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. After moving to Florida, she was active in the Lower Keys Women's Club, Lower Keys Property Association, and Crafty Ladies, a group that knitted sweaters and afgans for charity. Barbara is survived by her three sons and their spouses, Larry (Wendy), Thomas, Joseph (Heidi), and stepsons Michael (Patricia), Kenneth (Deanna), Bernie Jr. (Pamala), and stepdaughter Julie Gunn, as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. As she wished, there will be no memorial or visitation, and graveside services will be private.

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Barbara Jean Kaminski

April 7, 1930 - January 29, 2025