Barbara Joan Gaudio, 79, formerly of Valparaiso, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at her daughter’s home in La Porte, Ind.
She was born September 23, 1941 in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of James and Mary (Griffin) Kennedy.
Barbara was Catholic and attended St. Kevin Catholic Church and Bright School of Chicago. She met her husband – the love of her life – William Gaudio, Jr., at White Castle in Chicago, where she was a waitress. William was persistent in his efforts in asking Barbara out when he finally got his “Yes”. They were married April 20, 1963, in Chicago. After starting their young family, they moved to Valparaiso.
As a homemaker, Barbara loved to cook and watch cooking shows, enjoyed taking trips and going to the casinos, and was Elvis’ biggest fan. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved laughing; an “all Irish” girl. Fall was Barbara’s favorite time of year. She was talented, winning many dance contests while twirling around the floor with William. But when it came to pure joy, it was Barbara’s family and friends who gave her the greatest happiness, especially those grandchildren.
She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Frances (Richard) Yerich of Georgia and Julie Anne Buck of La Porte; son, Joseph Timothy (Meri) Gaudio of Arizona; brother, Robert (Skipper) Kennedy of Michigan City, Ind.; sister, Mary Kay (Michael) Perez of Chicago; and six grandchildren, Angela, Spencer, Collin, Courtney, Ryan, and Casey.
Along with her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her brothers, James and Thomas Kennedy, and sister, Patricia Biron.
The family will hold a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. Wednesday March 3, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Valparaiso. A Celebration of Life at Cummings Lodge, Soldiers Memorial Park, Grangemouth Drive, La Porte, will follow after the Mass. The family has selected cremation. Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, is handling arrangements.
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