Barbara Jean (Olson) Kaufman

Barbara Jean (Olson) Kaufman, 94, passed away January 1, 2022. She had been ill with cardiac issues for several weeks and passed away peacefully. She was born in Wichita, Kansas to Dr. Allen and Regina Olson on October 9, 1927. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1948 where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. In 1950 she married Orval J. Kaufman and together they had four children, Allen (Katie), Craig (Jane), Brian (Susie) and David (Tricia). She was a loving and devoted mother and fiercely protective of her four boys and quick to defend them (even when not deserved as was often the case!). In her eyes only, her four boys could do no wrong. After raising her sons, she enjoyed a long career as a respected occupational therapist at Wesley Hospital and traveled extensively around the world with many of her lifelong friends. She loved the opera (and much to the dismay of her four boys would have the radio on for the weekly Texaco broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera). She belonged to many bridge groups over the years. Doting on and spending time with her grandchildren was her favorite pastime following her career as an occupational therapist. As a cook, she was truly unparalleled, spending hours on every occasion to make everyone's favorite dish. She was a lifelong member of PEO and the Wichita Country Club and was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where she served as an usher for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband; sister, Peggy; and her companion later in life, William Snook. With her to the end was Dr. Jan Mullinix, her best friend and to whom her family owes a debt of gratitude that is impossible to repay. She is survived by her four sons; grandchildren, Emmy (Josh Shaut), Molly (John Gentile), Anna (Eric Cosentino), Jennifer (John Houlik), Katie (John Hillary), Abbey (Ryan Garwin), Bobby, Laura, Claire and Matthew; and ten great-grandchildren. Her family would like to thank the people at Larksfield Place Healthcare and Larksfield Hospice Services for their wonderful, compassionate care. There will be a memorial service Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church located at 1958 N Webb Road, Wichita, KS 67206. Visitation will start at 9:30 am and the service will start at 10:30 am. The service will be live streamed through Eastminster's website and by clicking "Watch Event" below. Interment will follow at Old Mission Cemetery located at 3424 E 21st Street N, Wichita, KS 67208. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Music Theatre Wichita, 225 W. Douglas Ave. #202, Wichita, KS 67202, www.mtwichita.org, or Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Rd., Wichita, KS 67206, www.eastminster.org. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.

Video Link