July 25, 1934 - November 23, 2023
Barbara Frances McCluskey; 89, of Loveland, CO passed away peacefully surrounded by family November 23,2023 after a brief battle with cancer.
Barbara was born July 25, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY to Thomas and Rhoda Walsh. She was the oldest of their four children. Barbara attended St. Francis of Assisi Grammar School and Prospect Heights High School. At the age of seventeen, Barbara became the first female ever to work in a Margin Department of a Brokerage House for Dean Witter on Wall Street. In 1954, Barbara met Arthur McCluskey and the two were engaged on Christmas Eve of that year after a brief courtship. Barbara and Arthur then married September 10,1955. They raised six children in Brookly, NY until June of 1972, when their family of eight moved to Loveland, CO. Two years later their youngest child was born and they resided in Loveland, CO for the remainder of their lives.
After moving to Loveland, Barbara worked at Loveland Daycare. She then went on to become an Administrative Assistant at All Saints Episcopal Church from 1974 to the early 1980’s. She then became an Administrative Assistant at Martin Luther Homes until retirement,
Barbara was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and served as a lay minister for several years. Barbara was a member of Catholic Charities and was instrumental in opening the Ft. Collins Rescue Mission. She was also part of the House of Neighborly Services and the Northern Colorado Friendship Force. With the Friendship Force she traveled to twenty different countries and every continent but Antarctica. Barbara and her family also served as hosts to families she met during her travels.
Barbara loved to travel and watch her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events and other extra- curricular activities. She loved playing cards, which some would agree she would “cheat” at times and deny it. She also loved taking trips to Blackhawk or Las Vegas to put a quarter in some slot machines.
Barbara is survived by her sons Robert and Paul McCluskey of Loveland, CO. Daughters Margaret (Joseph) Clark and Geralyn Barleen of Loveland, CO, Jeannie Arispe and Kathleen (Joshua) Lobato of Johnstown, CO. Sons-in- law Severo Arispe and Kenneth Barleen. Grandchildren Aaron (Jennifer Jantz) Clark, Eric (Larissa) Clark, Alison Clark, Travis (Shaelyn Sellers) Arispe, Kirsten (Kamrin Gonzales) Arispe, Alexandria (Zach) Rodriguez, Justin (Devan Pacella) Barleen, Morgan Barleen and Mason Lobato. Great grandchildren Quinnley and Camden Clark. Travis, Aleena and Natalia Arispe. Zylla and Max Rodriguez. Sister Christina Anderson of Brooklyn, NY. Brother Kevin Walsh of Freehold, NJ and Sister- in- law Holly Walsh of Freehold, NJ. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, family members and many special friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Arthur and her son Thomas. Her parents Thomas and Rhoda Walsh. Her brother Thomas Walsh, sisters- in law Barbara Walsh and Joan Whelen, and brother-in- law Robert Whelen.
Visitation 4-6:00 p.m. Thursday at Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home with a Vigil Service following. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment Loveland Burial Park.
