Barbara Gross had many loves, passions and interests. First and foremost, the love of her life, Robert, who she married in 1972. She was devoted to her mother, Josephine, who died in 2009, and her brother Ricardo Torres, and the family of her sister-in-law, Bonnie Gross and her husband David Blasco and their two daughters, Erin and Anna.

But after those human beings, anyone who knows Barbara knows what came next -- her cats, of which there were hundreds, starting with Halloween, which Bob and Barbara brought into their first apartment as newlyweds. There followed a procession of cats, from scruffy wild cats rescued from window wells to newborns that came to her to be socialized to make them adoptable. Her friends at the cat rescue nonprofit Happy Endings always knew that the kittens that Barbara had raised made the best pets because she spent countless hours teaching them that humans were not only trustworthy but also worthy of their love.

Barbara was a talented creator and over her life made many exquisite items that those who knew were lucky enough to receive as gifts. From crocheted items like cozy blankets to beaded jewelry inspired by her native American heritage. Eventually she created beautiful beaded jewelry, making gifts of necklaces and earrings she created with carefully selected beads and special clasps.

The height of her artistry, though, came in the quilts she created. Some were cozy traditional quilts meant to keep you warm. Some were works of art that could have hung in an art gallery.

Her crafts and artwork often reflected her Native American heritage. Barbara was so proud of her mom, who was born on the Red Lake reservation and attended an infamous Indian boarding school. Together they took classes to learn Josephine's native language and Barbara spoke to many community groups about her heritage.

Except for one year when she started college at University of Wisconsin, Barbara lived in Milwaukee. She attended St. Josephat Elementary School and South Division High School.

Over the years, Bob and Barbara traveled all over the world, from China to Thailand to South America and many countries in Europe. She loved swimming with dolphins in the Keys and observing whales up close from a in a Zodiac in Baja California.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to three charities that were close to Barbara's heart:

Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter, 5349 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53220.

The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, N50W5050 Portland Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012.

Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter, 620 S 76th St Ste 110, Milwaukee, WI 53214.