Barbara Cristofaro age 73 of Colon, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Barbara was born on September 1, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter to the late John and Ann (Salamon) Cimbala.

On January 1, 1967, Barbara married her husband of 57 years, Dennis M. Cristofaro, at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Barbara served in the line of duty as a member of the Cook County Sheriff's Department for 20 years as a deputy. Barbara retired in 2009 from the force. In 2020 Dennis and Barbara moved to Colon full time. Barbara was a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church in Colon.

Surviving Barbara is her husband Dennis M. Cristofaro of Colon, children: Brian (Sharon) Cristofaro of Crown Point, IN, Denise (Bob) Keel of New Lenox, IL, Rosemary (Craig) Burklow of Peotone, IL, Jennifer (Dan) Camacho of South Bend, IN, grandchildren: Jonquil Cristofaro, Mikayla Cristofaro, Samantha Keel, Tori Keel, Stephanie Lerner, Kele (Jim) Somerville, Jacob Furdek, Amanda Furdek, Gianna Camacho, Chase Camacho, Leryn Camacho, Gage Camacho, great grandchildren: Brantley, Colton, Jimmy, Brooklyn, sister Lynn (Frank) Yavarski, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents John and Ann Cimbala, Barabara was preceded in death by her sister Joan Ormins.

Following in her wish's cremation has taken place. A funeral Mass will be held at a later date at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Colon. Private interment of ashes will follow in Lakeside Cemetery also at a later date.