Obituaries

Obituary: Barbara "Barb" Ann Thomas

Barbara  “Barb” Ann Thomas, of Waukesha, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the age of 65.   

She was born on January 3, 1948 the daughter of Chester and Helen (Adams) Maszk in Milwaukee, WI.   Barb graduated from Messmer High School in 1966 and met her husband Gary at MATC where she graduated as a dental assistant.  With a passion for caring for people, she worked as a dental assistant for 6 years until changing careers to become a CNA at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee, where she worked in orthopedics and pediatrics for 27 years.  She loved her animals, cooking, entertaining, reading, crafting and loved to laugh.   Barb was often selfless and always happy and fun loving.   She was a humble person who didn’t realize the impact she left with others.  With the ability to light up a room, she had a welcoming presence and will always be remembered for her smile and warmth.  Of the many things she loved, most important to her was her husband, family and friends. 

She will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 43 years, Gerard “Gary” “Gerry”;  her children, Mark (Jennifer) Thomas of Pewaukee and Jessica Thomas of Pewaukee;  her sisters, Patricia (Jack) Michel of Fond du Lac and Nicole (Richard) Schmidt of Brookfield;  her mother, Helen Maszk; her sisters- in- law, Sharon (Charles) Hasler, Gail (Dean) VandeStreek and Deborah (Eric) Schuelke; her brother- in- law, Russell (Sally) Thomas. She is further survived by her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Barb is preceded in death by her father and her son, Neal in 1999.

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The visitation for Barb will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial.   The Rev. Curt Frederick will officiate.   Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Waukesha.  Masses in Barb’s name are appreciated and in lieu of flowers because of her love for animals, memorials are appreciated to the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) 701 Northview Rd.  Waukesha, WI   53188 or the charity of the donor’s choice.  

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home is serving the family.   For the online obituary or cards of condolences please visit www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com or call the funeral home at 262-542-6609.

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