Barbara A. Delimat

Barbara A. Delimat, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on May 1, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Barbara lived a life rich in love, dedication, and family, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Barbara was a proud graduate of Notre Dame High School, Class of 1956, where she met and married her high-school sweetheart, and late husband, James Delimat. Throughout her life she embraced her role as mom, lovingly nurturing and sharing her wisdom with her five children: Kevin (Tracy) Delimat, Kim Gronert, Kathleen (Dwayne) Olson, Kolette (Liz) Delimat, and Kristin (Joseph) Schiller. Her dedication and family legacy extended beyond motherhood to grandmother to Melissa, Jamie, James, Danielle, Derek, Emily, Samantha, and Jessica— and great-grandma to 7 great-grandchildren, with special relationships to Xavier and Blake.

Barbara’s career included working as a typist and a bank teller, but her long-standing role was at Kohl's Food Store in the delicatessen department was where she eventually rose to the position of manager. The store often received phone calls from her kids at home, and there is where she experienced the struggles of a work-life balance. Also, teaching her children to run a household and be a good provider was her role in life. She considered it a tribute, a job well-done, when her kids or others could host a gathering or properly clean anything! 

She took great pride in making sure that her family was well-cared for, as this was her "love language". If you needed something, be prepared for her honest opinions, but it wouldn't stop her from helping. She would always take you in or give you what she had. When she was surrounded by family and fellowship, sharing a meal or snack, all was right in the world, and she was happy. You could always find snacks at Granny's house!

She was a devout Catholic, and very proud of being a founding member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Barbara played a key role in leading the Seton Seniors and was known for organizing gatherings alongside her husband, Jim, and together, they were the heart of many social functions. They were often seen in the kitchen preparing delicious meals and creating an atmosphere filled with laughter. Friends and family alike would recall her culinary contributions, and she thrived in bringing people together. 

With Jim, for many years Barbara enjoyed her "snowbird" days in Las Vegas, where she loved playing bingo, enjoying countless wins that brought her great happiness. She was always up for a good game of dominos or cards, showcasing her competitive spirit, and in her later life, enjoyed relaxing with Solitaire on her tablet.

Barbara loved her backyard, sitting and swinging on the porch and viewing all that surrounded her. From the garden and various flower beds and pots to the multiple bird feeders and a deer feeder that brought wildlife to her door. Barbara always said she didn't need to go "up north", she had everything you could see there, here. If you visited, you were sitting on her porch, or in inclement weather, watching the bird feeder through the window. She loved when the birds used her bird houses to raise their babies, and it made her day to see the great care they gave and when they would be big enough to fly away...very fitting for her.

She will be truly missed by all, especially by her long-time caregiver, her little dog Sophie!

Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Henry Suminski, and her mother, Sophie Suminski, along with her husband, Jim, who was her steadfast partner in all their endeavors.

Her visitation will take place on January 30, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a Mass at 5:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, located at 12700 West Howard Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151.

As we remember Barbara, let us cherish the many ways she touched our lives and honor her legacy of love, family, and community.