Barbara Opal Lee, 75, of Sugar Camp passed away peacefully at home on March 17, 2023, with her family by her side, after courageously battling cancer. She was born Oct. 5, 1947, in La Crosse, to Louis and Harriet (Wilsey) Youngman.
She attended Central High School, graduating in 1965. She graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in Mathematics and Teaching. Barb taught at various schools in both La Crosse and Eagle River before joining her husband working with American Family Insurance.
Barb married Harry in 1969 in Honolulu, Hawaii, while he was on R&R from his service in Vietnam. They came home to La Crosse in 1970 and had two daughters, Christina and Amy. The family moved to Eagle River in 1975, purchasing the Golden Eagle Supper Club. Barb was a math teacher in the Northland Pines School District. After joining American Family Insurance in 1985, Barb and her family eventually relocated to Sheboygan Falls, returning to the Northwoods in 2002.
In retirement, Barb enjoyed spending the warmer months at home in Sugar Camp, watching the birds and wildlife, tending to her beautiful flowers and enjoying time with her family. She was especially fond of her hummingbirds, and they were always abundant at her house. Her second home was in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where she spent winters walking on the beach, soaking up the sun while reading, and visiting with friends. They enjoyed traveling and exploring new destinations. Barb was a wonderful host and entertainer. She was always happy to help her grandchildren with anything they needed, including homework. She had a unique and special relationship with each one of them.
Barb is survived by Harry, her beloved husband of 54 years; her daughters Chris Chiapuzio and Amy (Jon) Dickinson; five grandchildren: Travis, Trevor and Taylor Chiapuzio, and Jack and Eleanor (Ellie) Dickinson; one sister, Sandy Youngman; sisters-in-law Margaret Lee and Frances (John) Lee-Edwards, brother-in-law Robert Lee; and many close nieces, nephews, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Karin Kloss and Debra Finney; son-in-law, Dave Chiapuzio.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 18, 2023 at Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Cancer Center, Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Compassus Hospice.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.
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