On June 20th, 1940, Barbara was born to Walter and Rachel Parfinski of Niagara Falls, NY. Raised with traditional values, Barbara was expected to marry and settle down once she graduated from high school but she longed for independence and a bit of adventure.
In 1964, Barbara and a girlfriend declared their independence and headed west never looking back. They made it all the way to Las Vegas, NV and it was on their first day in Vegas, Barbara met the man who would later become her husband. Barbara had her choice of suitors, but Tom was the one who won her heart. Not long after meeting, the couple married and settled in Las Vegas. The marriage was stormy but they managed to have two daughters whom they both loved very much. In 1975, the family moved to Great Falls, MT where Tom was born and raised.
Tom and Barbara fought to stay together for over ten years before accepting they were better apart. The divorce, however, did not end their relationship as they worked together to raise their two daughters. She was also very close to her father-in-law, who loved her like a daughter. Over those many years, Tom and Barbara were able to move their relationship from hurt, to a place of acceptance and love for each other. Near the end of her life, tender words were shared and hurts forgiven.
Barbara loved her two daughters with all her heart and she supported them with everything she had to offer. Her daughters graduated from college, a dream Barbara wanted to come true. Once her daughters were grown, Barbara went back to school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant working mostly with the elderly. She truly enjoyed this work and took great pride in caring for her residents and giving them the loving care they deserved. She retired at age 70 from Sam’s Club where she befriended many fellow workers and customers.
Both of her daughters married and at the age of 59, Barbara was blessed with a grandson. She adored her grandson and spoiled him endlessly. Her dedication was so great, both her daughters often joked about being glad they didn’t have a brother as it was pretty obvious how they would’ve ranked next to him. Mom would laugh and shake her head ‘no’ when we said this, but we knew.
Not long after retiring, Barbara was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. A cruel and debilitating illness that slowly robbed her of her vitality, and eventually, her life.
She is survived by her siblings, Patty Quandt, Thelma McPherson, Bruce, Gary and Greg Parfinski, ex-husband Thomas Kalafat, daughters Nancy Donovan (Patrick Coley) and Julie Bass, her grandson, Bram Donovan (Chloe Parker), and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, click here to visit the Croxford Funeral Home website.
