Barbara L. Gorman
Barbara L. Gorman,
57, of
February 17, 2016, at UW Hospital,
in the loving arms of her family, from complications following liver transplant
surgery. Barb went peacefully to be with her mother, brother, and sister for a
joyful reunion of all our loved ones. Barb was born September 23, 1958, in
Madison, daughter of John and Mary Gorman. After 29 years of companionship and
love, Barb married Sharon Diedrich on October 25th, 2015.
Barb graduated from
UW- Lacrosse with a degree in recreational therapy and a masters degree in
Organizational Leadership from
her career at the
in
providing community interaction for people with special needs. She also was a
coach for Special Olympics, taking a team to the International Special Olympic
games. She later served as area director for the Appleton Area Special Olympics
teams.
Barb was currently
employed at Agnesian HealthCare for over 25 years. She had a sincere desire to assist
patients to return to their active lifestyles after major illnesses when she
worked with the team on the Center for Physical Rehab. Barb was currently part
of the Project Management team at Agnesian HealthCare, focusing on
providing quality care for patients.
Her passion for her
family was paramount. Her early years in
supporting her brothers and sisters, parents, and community, was just the beginning
of her giving heart. She always put others needs ahead of her own. While Barb was in college, she
unselfishly gifted a kidney to her sister Kathy. Barb was also blessed by an
organ donor and her family appreciated this gift from their family.
Barb’s zeal for life
was reflected in her love of nature. From walking her dog Buddy, to camping,
hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and
traveling, she was always planning the next adventure. Her annual trips to
and Minoqua, with family and friends, was always on her destination list. Her life long dream to visit all the
National Parks, was almost realized. Last summer, she treated herself to the
car of her dreams, and enjoyed tooling around in her convertible; if
Barb had a hidden
talent she shared with very few people, she was a pianist; her love of music
was inspired by her mother.
Survivors include,
her spouse, Sharon Diedrich; her father, John H. Gorman; her brother, Jeff
Gorman, (Christine), and their children: Ryley, Zachary, and Gabrielle; her sister, Anne Gorman, (Kim Chytka),
Harley Schneider (dear family friend); her in- laws: Leonard (Fritz) and Myra
Diedrich, Joanne Diedrich, Nancy Stephanie, Tom (Chris) Diedrich, Ken (Sandy)
Diedrich, Jan (Doug) Goebel, and Carol (Jef) Voelker, and their families. She
is further survived by many dear relatives and friends, and her faithful
companion, Buddy.
She was preceded in
death by her mother, Mary Gorman; her brother, Michael Gorman; her sister,
Kathy Pope, and brother-in-law, Bob Stephanie.
VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends
from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at
SERVICES: A memorial service will be held at noon on
Saturday at
with Pastor Tom Meyer officiating.
Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers,
donations are appreciated to the Agnesian Hospice Home of Hope.
Barbs family would
like to express their appreciation to Dr. Lisa Weber of Fond du lac Regional
Clinic, Dr. James Runo, Amy and the nursing and transplant staff of UW Madison
for the care they provided to Barb, the liver donor and their family, and all
of Barb’s family and friends that have showed us so much love and support
through her final journey. It’s all coasting now!
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel
& Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkimachfuneralchapel.com.