Barbara (Kisker) Gaffney

Barbara Gaffney, 97, a Moon Township resident since 1945, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Clark County, OH on February 13, 1926, one of three children to the late Charles and Ethel Kisker. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Gaffney, son Larry Gaffney, sister Anna Heaton, brothers Kenneth Kisker and Leo Seelig and her grandson-in-law Cole Lindgren.  For over 30+ years, Barb was the cafeteria manager at Bon Meade Elementary and Moon Area Junior High School, retiring in 1990. She was a member of Moon Twp. AARP, Moon Senior Citizens, Sewickley Valley Hospital Auxiliary, and Zion Lutheran Church of Coraopolis. Barb is survived by her beloved children: Patricia (Leslie) Jacobs, Garry (Jinny) Gaffney and John T. Gaffney; her dear daughter-in-law Grier Gaffney; five cherished grandchildren Heather Lindgren, Thomas (Emily) Gaffney, Bonnie (Gerard) Solinap, Alisha Gaffney and John Henry Gaffney; and eight blessed great grandchildren Rope Lindgren, Cord Lindgren, Lacy Lindgren, Rein Lindgren, Connor Gaffney, Anna Gaffney, Ella Solinap, and Max Solinap.  Also known as Aunt Barb to some and Aunt Betty to others, she is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews all whom she treasured. Barb was a voracious reader, an avid card player, belonging to several card clubs in Moon, and a quilter until she lost her eyesight. Even though blindness completely darkened her world in the last few years of life, she accepted her new limitations with her usual wisdom, grace, and spirituality on full display. Becoming dependent on others for her daily care and needs definitely clashed with her strong independent nature. However, over time, she mellowed and allowed “Alexa” to become her new best friend! As Barb’s vision and mobility worsened, opportunities to socialize as she had done previously were no longer possible. So, when she received surprise visits, phone calls, and cards from family and friends, she was absolutely delighted. When she recently moved to Concordia at Villa St. Joseph, she was thrilled to once again be able to socialize and dine with others, attend church services, Bible studies, holiday events and happy hour.  As the family matriarch, Barb leaves a lasting legacy rooted in her deep faith, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, showing a tremendous love, respect, and compassion for others, and treating every situation with the utmost integrity. One of her favorite sayings which was passed down from her stepfather, reflects how much she valued basic moral principles and honesty. We often heard her say: Right is right, wrong is wrong, and right never “wronged” anyone! The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers, nurses, and staff at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospice for the compassionate care given to Barb during the last few months of her life. Additionally, the family would like to thank the Wilson family, the Murphy family, the Sellers family, Chandra Betlyn and Wilma Williams for all the love, support and companionship given to our mother over many years. You all were truly blessings in her life. Visitation is on Friday, March 3 from 5-8 pm at Copeland’s Moon Township, 981 Brodhead Rd. where her service will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Aliquippa. Rev. Tom Betlyn will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barb’s memory may be directed to Concordia Lutheran Ministries at concordialm.org/donate or Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians at mylamp.org/donate.

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