Barbara Joan Kuzman (nee Russell), our beautiful mother, nana, and best friend, triumphed over dementia, and was carried to Heaven in the Lord's arms on August 9, 2024. Barbara was born April 15, 1931 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Vaughn and Beatrice Russell (nee Smith). She grew up in Crown Point, Indiana and later went on to attend Indiana University, Bloomington, graduating with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education.
While at III, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and met Daniel Kuzman at a sorority/fraternity exchange dinner. They later married in 1953 and were happily married for nearly 68 years. The couple eventually made Crown Point, Indiana their home where Barbara was a first grade teacher.
When Barbara and Dan welcomed children Robert and Deborah into their lives, Barbara changed careers to motherhood and raising her children. During this time, she went on to pursue a Masters in Education degree with a specialty certification in reading, as she had a selfless passion to guide and help children with reading difficulties and deficits. Barbara continued to extend her selfless heart in another direction when she developed a passion for philanthropy in her community.
She became a member of the Women's Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society where she served as president, treasurer, chairman of decorator's show houses, and also served on countless committees. Barbara was also a member of the American Association of University Women where she served two terms as president. Additionally, she was a member of Tri-Kappa serving on the scholarship committee.
Barbara was a member and attended the First Presbyterian Church of Crown Point. When not volunteering, Barbara was an avid rose gardener of English tea roses and could always be found with a good book; however, her truest love and passion were found in her roles as mother and nana. She truly was the best of the best mother and nana! Her most cherished memories were those of family vacations and time spent together.
She also loved her priceless and lifelong friendships made throughout her volunteering. Barbara is survived by her daughter Deborah Hajek, son Robert Kuzman, grandson Jordin Hajek, granddaughter Lindsey Hajek, and grandson Evan Kuzman. She was preceded in death by her parents Vaughn and Beatrice Russell (nee Smith), her husband of 68 years Daniel Kuzman, and son-in-law David Hajek.
Barbara was the most beautiful, loving, kind, selfless, and funny, wife, mother, nana, and friend. Although our hearts are broken without her, we are so thankful that she is now happy and healthy once again in the arms of the Lord. Because of Barbara's servant and compassionate heart, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating, in Barbara's name, to the Northwest Indiana Symphony at nisorchestra.
org or the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org . Friends may visit with the family on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, 606 E.
113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Funeral Home with Pastor Joaquin Anabe Lopez officiating.
Interment to follow at Maplewood Memorial Cemetery in Crown Point, IN. Visit Barbara's online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.
com 219-663-2500..
