To David, and all in your very loving family--

Today (2/1/25) will be a sad day; the memories of Barbara remain and her sudden death was and still is devastating.  Please know that the love you expressed (David -- I have not met your kids and grandchildren, but am sure they feel it as well) will remain and -- maybe not yet but in time -- will combine with happy memories.  You wrote 'love endures'--you are an example of this.

Wendy Tucker

I've just learned of Barb's passing and am so sorry to hear. 

I'm on the Board at Chicago Market, the coming cooperative grocery store where Barb became an early Owner. Her excited, enthusiastic support for the project was infectious - she was nearly giddy talking about one day being able to shop the store. It pains me to know the doors are not open in time for her to do that. 

She was also a terrific volunteer with us, helping run our SNAP/Link Match table at the Uptown Farmers Market which we produce. It was wonderful to have her regular support there getting healthy foods to people on the SNAP program. 

Barb will be missed in our community and I will think of her when our doors open one day.

Like Russ Conte, who posted earlier, I knew Barbara from the Chicago Macintosh Users Group. 
I didn't know Barbara well, but we interacted at various times over the years, and I'll always remember her as a smart, pleasant person who embodied a trait that is always laudable in someone, the desire to be helpful. And she was. 
She was a good soul, and may she rest in peace. 
I extend my condolences to all of her friends and family.

To Barbara's family and friends,

My deepest sympathies to you all. 
I got to know Barbara over the past year through online classes, she had so much spunk and spirit. I loved to chat with her on-video and to connect with her by email as well. 
She was a valued member of our group and I am already missing her. 
I will be dedicating our next class to her and will hold her passionate spirit in my heart. 

Sending you strength and love,
Dreena

My condolences to the family of Barbara.  She was a beautiful person .  Barbara made me feel very welcome when I began working at the University of Chicago in 1979.  She will be missed.  Pam Jones PSC

There are few jewels I’ve had the privilege to know in this world. Barb was surely one of them. Throughout the 23 years I worked with Barb at University of Chicago Medicine, she was a bright light of compassion, intelligence and a seeker of knowledge that she applied to all situations, especially with her patients, their families, and colleagues. I was honored to be her friend and to be invited to Seder. It was a beautiful experience for me. The readings, food and community gathering was lovely and so very special. Thank you, Barb for being a great friend and colleague. Our one-hour plus talk we had at the hospital on the Tuesday before you passed is a memory I shall cherish forever. There is no such thing as a coincidence in our meeting; it was meant to be. I am grateful to have had that time with you. We talked about everything, and were making plans for our next social work luncheon with the U of C crowd. I will miss you tremendously. Many blessings to the Passman and Nussbaum family and all relations. My heart breaks for you and your sorrow is greater than I can imagine.  
—Fran Hammon, LCSW

To David, Cara, Hart, son & daughter in law, and all grandchildren--
I was so sorry to learn of the death of your very beloved wife, mother and grandmother.  I met Barbara only a couple of times (Laboratory School reunions), but my ongoing friendship with David (1956>>>) let me know more about her.  What a loving relationship!  Barbara was a source of information about Mac, about hospice care at U of C Hospitals, and about cats!  I know that your family is so connected and devoted; this is such a sad time.   I send my condolences and my wish that the happy memories will eventually prevail.  As David said, 'love endures.'  
Thinking of each of you with  respect for this loss.

Wendy Tucker

I worked at the University of Chicago Medical Center for 43 years and knew Barbara, just from bumping into her in the hallways.  Toward the end of my career there I asked her why she had continued working so long.  She said she felt very rewarded being able to help patients get settled after their hospital stays.  She was very fulfilled in this way.  Such a wonderful example she has been.

So very sad to hear about the passing of my friend, Barbara Passman. Barbara and I volunteered together for many years with the Chicago Apple User Group. She provided amazing guidance and help in more ways that I can ever count. She was a friend to all who knew her, and she was willing to help everyone. She did this all with warmth, charm, and a love of life that is second to none.

She was also a speaker to the group, sharing her enthusiasm for everything from software for cooking, for new technologies, and connecting with people. Barbara was a truly wonderful source of excellent ideas for the club.

I will miss her very much, including her smile, her intelligence, her warmth to all. She has certainly left treasures in all our hearts, and was truly one of the most wonderful people I've ever known and worked with. She will be deeply missed.

Russ Conte
President, Chicago Apple User Group

I wish to express my deepest condolence to the Family and Friends of Barbara Passman. Me and many others, over many years were blessed to be in the presence of Barbara at the University of Chicago. I thought of her as a whirlwind of creative and strongly felt passionate ideals that helped to make many of our patients Dreams come true. Nothing was too small for her to handle. She tackled social issues and was able to put all kinds of challenging  jigsaw pieces together; from the desires of the patient to transition to a discharge setting that met with their needs; combined with the knowledge and skills of the Physicians, nurses,  and basically everyone that was involved in that patient’s care. As a Physical Therapist, I knew her fondly as the Social Worker I could go to, who could take care of not only my in or out patients, but even help to take care of my occasional personal needs; advice on navigating insurance and community resources or lack there of.. She was well known trusted, and highly respected, and always had some words of wisdom or peace of advice, professionally and personally.  She was amazing and took care of even small needs with daily natural acts of kindness such as an offer of a cup of coffee or some exotic sweet treat. She will truly be miss but not forgotten. Love and soul hugs, Linda “Too Tall” Spears PT at UCM.

University Of Chicago social workers gathered at Ann Sathers a couple of months ago. From left to right Laurie Druse, Fran Hammon, Laura Holzinger, our beloved Barb Passman, and June Chung. This group goes back many years. I met with Barb on Tuesday to catch up on each other’s life and plan for the next luncheon. I treasure this photo and will miss her tremendously.
Fran Hammon

To the Passman Family,

Our family was so sad to hear about Barbara’s passing. We send you our deepest thoughts and prayers.

Barbara was an extraordinary social work professional, generously giving of herself and going the extra mile for the professionals she worked with and the families she cared for.

Our Mom, Ruth Ultmann, was a nurse for many decades at the U of C Hospitals and forged a close and mutually respecting relationship with Barbara. We  ourselves leaned heavily on Barbara for support and resources when our mother, in turn, became the U of C patient. Barbara showed amazing compassion, dedication, and creativity to help us organize the care our Mom needed. Our Mm’s face lit up whenever she came in her hospital room.

The U of C has lost a giant and her legacy will certainly live on in the generations of social work professionals she has trained and mentored.

Monica Ultmann
Daughter

OBITUARY

Barbara N Passman

November 18, 1945 – February 1, 2024

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

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