Barbara was a wise, wonderful, and sweet person. She loved music and dancing. I knew her in several areas in life:  from hanging around with Susie, in the hair salon where I worked, and from parties thrown by her hair stylist/my boss. She was always fun to be around.  She really stands out from a conversation we had about my son Thomas when he was young. I was having problems with people seeing Thomas' issues before he was diagnosed with Autism. She told me that she could see Thomas was different because of the way he carried himself. She was kind to Thomas and made it easier to be around the family.  I will always remember her for her honesty.  She could tell you what she thought; whether it was hard to hear, but still bring the love. A couple of years ago, I went to her house to wash, cut, and style her hair. She was very particular about what I was going to do to her hair; she always was finicky about her hair.  She was a great mother that loved her children and grandchildren. They loved spending time with her. 
With Sincere Sympathy,
Love,
Katie

Barb and Dave were neighbors across the street from my parents house. My younger brother Cory and Susie met and married.  I always remember Barb with a kind greeting, a laugh.  I was visiting from WNY once and she greeted me with a video tape of the movie Speed.  She told me with excitement "you will love it" - I did.  She made an effort to connect with my dad post stroke, she walked across the street daily and left the USA Today paper "for Ed" (my dad).  She loved her family & looked forward to spending time with all her girls; Sherry, Christy, Susie, Heather, Bethanie (the boys also) and more recently the new grandkids too, during the annual trips to the FL beaches.   THE daily calls to her sister Shirley were famous and I was introduced to Shirley and family in WNY through Barb.   To Barb & to her children, grandkids & siblings a poem in remembrance -  "On The Beach  at Night Alone" , Walt Whitman from Leaves of Grass. On the beach at night alone, as the old mother sways her to and fro singing her husky song, as I watch the bright stars shining, I think a thought of the clef of the universe and of the future......

Barbara helped me laugh and deal with several life stressors over the years--from difficulties at Indiana University, boyfriend issues, being the older sister, life in general.  She helped me see that I always expected the world to revolve around me--her message of "get over yourself" was a wonderful message for me that I truly hated to hear.  Her special smile to me contributed to my comfort level in the mixed Thomas and Craddock get together.  

May God grant her eternal peace and allow the perpetual light to shine upon her.  May she rest in peace.  Amen

Barbara always welcomed me -- in every situation, every time.  With a smile and a great story, she broke the ice and made me feel so welcomed.  I don't know if she could always see how awkward I felt in some situations or not.  I do know she always seemed genuinely glad to see me.  She had a way of making me feel as if she had been waiting just to connect with me.  She was a remarkable person and I am so thankful for her and for the chance to be part of some special times with her.

Barbara was such an amazing and beautiful person and a very dear cousin! We send her dear family our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy. May she rest in peace with all the saints and angels of God.

Love, Jeff and Brenda

OBITUARY

Barbara Ann Craddock

October 28, 1938 – May 8, 2020

Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens

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