Barbara Kaufman – May 26, 1950 – April 21, 2023

On April 21, 2023, Barbara "Basia" Kaufman spread her wings and heaven gained a beautiful angel.

Basia was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1950 where she spent the first 30 years of her life, until she fell in love with an American man from Albany Park. By chance, when Basia was visiting Chicago, a friend introduced her to Larry Kaufman. The moment he saw her he fell in love. However, Basia's visa expired, and she went back to Warsaw. Larry and Basia kept in touch through phone calls and letters over the next several years until Larry couldn't live another moment without her and asked her to marry him. Larry was then faced with his next challenge, getting to Poland during Marshall Law. He was not going to let anything stop him and was the only American man traveling into the country. Through many obstacles he was able to make his way to Basia and they married in Poland in 1982.

Basia loved staying up to the early hours of the morning with her friends chatting, sipping tea, and eating pastries together. She will always be remembered for her love, beauty, talent, and hard work. There was nothing she couldn't do.

Basia is survived by husband Larry Kaufman, daughter Kasia Kaufman, son Martin Giersz, brother Bogdan Maslowski and granddaughters Sonia and Kaya Giersz.

Visitation Monday May 1, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 North Milwaukee Avenue Niles, Illinois 60714. Funeral Tuesday May 2, 2023 11:15 AM to St. John Brebeuf Church for a 12 Noon Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alzheimer's Association in memory of Basia.

Alzheimer's Association