Barbara Kolpak

Barbara Ann Kolpak, born into life May 29, 1944, ascended to eternal life September 9, 2021

Barbara, known by her many family nicknames (Barbie Doll, Barbie-Q, and Bra-Bra to name a few) was a loving Mother, Aunt, Great Aunt and Godmother to many. Mother to Steven Kolpak; Sister of the late John Kolpak and wife late Ann , late James, Sr. Kolpak and wife late Beverly; Aunt to Debbie  Engler (Kolpak) and husband Mike, Darlene Ramirez (Kolpak) and husband Arnie, Bryant Kolpak and wife Hazel, late James Kolpak; Great Aunt to John Ramirez, Bryanna Kolpak, Timothy Kolpak, and many others.

Barbara was never shy to let her opinion be known. Quick witted and snappy to the very end, you always knew where she stood on anything and everything. Known for her love of scratch-offs and Winston Gold 100 Cigarettes, she could never be found without either in her pockets. A devoted Blackhawks fan, you always knew you would not get an answer if her Hawks were playing on the TV. She loved strongly and let it be known to all of her family how much she loved them.

Barbara always had a great sense of humor and was always cracking jokes and "razzing your ass" as she would say. She never missed a chance to make a joke any time the opportunity presented itself. She visited her niece Darlene and great nephew John every day for almost her whole life. She loved her Coca-Cola (bottles only of course) and coffee (always with a lot of cream) and never left home without a handful of peppermints somewhere on her person.

Barbara crocheted until her hands couldn't take it anymore, a hobby she later passed down to her great nephew. And she always had her police scanner next to her at all times, especially when going to bed. It helped her to fall asleep, she used to say.

Barbara  was deeply loved by many. From family and friends, to coworkers from her long time job at Chiappetti Lamb & Veal, and people she would meet in passing. She will be missed dearly by all.

In honoring her wishes, there will be no services held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) at Nami.org in her memory.