On October 5, 2023, Barbara Ann Jurkiewicz (formerly Cathlina, nee Benning) passed peacefully to the Lord at the age of 84.

Loving mother of Andrew (Jory) Cathlina, Matthew (Libby) Cathlina, Amy Cathlina (Enrique Rodriguez), Pamela Cathlina de Baeza (Marco Baeza), and Phillip (Laura) Cathlina. Cherished grandmother of Jonah, Ethan, Gianna, William, Celia, and Lillian. Cherished step-grandmother of Kait, Chloe, Marco (Maria Fernanda), Katia, and Sebastian (Katie).

Loving stepmother of John Jurkiewicz (Sandy Natschke), Laura Alonzo, Suzanne (David) Robles, Elaine Rayne, Juliet (Craig) Shuler, and Michael Jurkiewicz.

Further survived by step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Preceded in death by Edward Jurkiewicz and Francis Cathlina, parents Howard and Anne Benning, and siblings George (Swifty) and Judy.

Barb had many nicknames, affectionately called Petie, Babs, even Butch. She adored her family and was always there to listen and help - family and all. She had a sparkle in her eye and loved making jokes with a play on words. Barb was always ready to get up and go somewhere new. She loved to take car rides (often visiting her childhood neighborhood in Bay View), dance, travel, and learn something new, from macrame to master gardening. She loved to read, play dominoes, build puzzles and Legos, garden, bird watch, and listen to music (Andrea Bocelli was her favorite). Tuesday mornings were reserved for Barb's lifelong friends, meeting for a round of golf and later for breakfast. She regularly attended 4:30pm Mass on Saturdays at Immaculate Conception with Father Phil presiding. Barb was never far from something sweet, never leaving home without mini candy bars or Werther's Originals in her purse.

Barbara and the light that shone within and around her will be sorely missed, but she is still keeping an eye on all of us.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Church of the Immaculate Conception, 1023 E. Russell Ave, Milwaukee. Visitation from 10:30AM to 12:00PM immediately followed by the Mass. Private interment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association will be greatly appreciated.

https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate