Barbara M. Weikamp's Obituary
We celebrate the life and legacy of Barbara Mae Weikamp (nee Krivanek), born September 24, 1931 to Agnes and Frank Krivanek. Dear wife of Bill (deceased) and beloved mother of Susan Schaefer (Jim), Barb Weikamp (Nick Dunn), Mary Dolansky (Dave), and Cheryl Dils (Mike). Loving grandmother of Jimmy, Billy, Julie, Cheyenne, Kate, David, and Kristen and sweetest great-grandmother of nine. Cherished sister of Frank Krivanek (Jean), sister-in-law, aunt, and friend to all.
A graduate of St. John College with a degree in nursing, Barbara loved learning. She met the love of her life, Bill, at a dance. She appreciated that he was the outgoing, funny contrast to her more introverted nature. After marrying at St. Charles Church in Parma, Ohio, the newlyweds moved to New York City, where Bill was stationed in the Air Force. Barbara recalled this chapter of her life so fondly: living in an apartment above a family they came to love, seeing shows together (especially South Pacific), and Bill bringing home fresh lobster on Friday nights.
Upon returning home to Ohio, the couple spent one year living with Bill’s parents, and then built their dream home on Greenwood Street in Independence, where Barbara would host monthly Bridge parties with the neighborhood ladies and laughter would ring throughout the house. Greenwood was where Barbara and Bill raised their four cherished daughters. Susan, Barb, Mary, and Cheryl continued to be the center of Barbara’s world for all of her days. She was so proud of who each of her daughters were individually and loved sharing their latest accomplishments, travels, and family stories.
Barbara was quietly determined and moved through life with an unshakable faith. In fact, at age 26 when Barbara had two daughters under the age of three, she suffered a debilitating brain aneurysm which paralyzed her left side. She prayed with gusto and made a promise that if God would see her through, she would have another daughter and name her Mary Anne after the Virgin Mary and her mother St. Anne. Mary Ann was miraculously born in 1961. Cheryl would joyfully follow in 1967. Barbara prayed the rosary daily; frequently prayed to Saints Anne, Theresa, Joseph, Anthony, and our Lady of Fatima; and was a devoted parishioner of St. Michael Church for nearly 70 years.
In her family of six, Barbara was the rock and an unfailing “good sport.” Bill, an avid outdoorsman, would often bring Barbara (and his girls) along on trap-shooting excursions, fishing trips to Chautauqua and Orange lakes, and to bowl and golf. Barbara never complained. She was happy to “go with the flow” surrounded by the family she adored. She and Bill celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage before he passed away in 2012.
Barbara loved the simple things in life: summers with her own Grandma Barbara, music (an affinity she inherited from her beloved father), Friday night movies with her four young daughters, being an active part of the family, late-night bologna sandwiches, kitchen table “happy hours” with Chardonnay, cheese, and crackers. Most of all, she loved people. She was an exceedingly kind and gentle person who encouraged everyone she met and listened with a sincere heart. She was available to anyone who needed her help or her prayers. She would often tell people, “I am praying for you,” and they knew - without a doubt - that she was. In a most beautiful reflection of her spirit, Barbara passed away in the early morning of Thursday, May 23, with a peaceful grin on her face.
Mom… Grams… Great-Grandma Barbara was the matriarch of our family, our heart and soul. While we grieve her absence, we will do our best to live as she did: to love people with our whole hearts. To do no harm. To listen considerately. To be both determined and flexible. To “paddle our own canoe.” To pray to God for strength and direction. And to leave the world just a bit sweeter than we found it.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 6912 Chestnut Rd., Independence, Ohio at 10 AM (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment All Saints Cemetery, Northfield.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?