Born in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, on September 17, 1950, to Mary and James “Jim” Hufcshmidt, younger sister to James “Jim Jr”. Barb attended St. Monica grade school and Dominican high school before becoming a Badger at UW Madison for her undergraduate and finally pursuing a master’s degree in social work at UW Milwaukee. Her father taught her education is important and something no one can ever take away.
Barb had a passion for travel and seeing the world from different points of view from hiking landscapes to touring historical churches to bareback horseback riding. Going all over the world from London to Paris to Mexico to Germany and many more. She knew the world had a lot to offer and took full advantage of travel opportunities before settling down. Her passion for sports and activities was prevalent as she was a camp counselor, golfer/skier, and enjoyed card games.
In 1986, Barb began dating the love of her life after a chance meeting at Milwaukee’s Bastille Days, Mark Halaska. Barb and Mark were married at St. Monica’s Church on June 30, 1990, and remained inseparable for 35+ years. Through all the ups and downs of health concerns and trials, they took in all the moments together as one. Their love grew as they navigated life’s challenges in stride and not letting these detours get the upper hand.
Barb and Mark decided to expand their family in 1995 by adopting their baby girl, Mercedes, from Shanghai, China. Moving from 2 to 3 family members was her greatest joy and watching Mercedes grow throughout the years. Due to her MS, she retired early from social work after 30+ years in Waukesha County, to be home with Mercedes throughout her school years starting in middle school. Barb was Mercedes’ best friend for the last 31 years, she was there day in and day out, talking about everything life had to offer from celebrity gossip to human psychology to royal family to advice about life.
In her retirement years, Barb was involved in all the activities she could do to stay engaged, physically and mentally. She loved playing bridge, eventually teaching Mercedes and her wife Anna, so they could have late nights playing cards like she once did with her parents. She enjoyed being part of Alpha Phi Sorority, the Women’s Club, book club, and other various groups. She also enjoyed live theater and the fun of The Wisconsin State Fair. Barb was the most disciplined women when it came to her health and ensuring she ate properly, walked as much as possible, and being active at the JCC from water aerobics to weights to biking. In all her activities, she loved chatting with others, bringing genuine connections and being unapologetically herself. The gift of her kindness, generosity, self-lessness, grit
and humility are all lessons those around Barb would learn. People were drawn to her authentic personality, and she cherished everyone around her.
Barb was a devoted Catholic whose beliefs manifested in her daily life of prayer, empathy, and service to others. Her trust and faith in the Lord every day was prevalent in how she showed up for others and cared for others. Even with her MS, she knew the Lord had plans for her to be a beautiful wife, caring sister and aunt, mentor/role model for her daughter, and a committed friend for whomever came her way for advice, guidance, or just a chat. Her MS never defined who Barb was, she approached the illness with grace, dignity, courage, and perseverance.
The family is happy that Barb is finally healthy in spirit where she can run, golf, ski, and dance again in heaven. The hole in our heart will be big, and we know it will heal over time, but the scar will always remain. She was a beautiful soul and shaped so many lives around her and will continue to shape our lives as we look forward ahead. Barb was expecting to be a Nana later in March of 2026, where she was expecting her first grandchild. Baby boy will continue her legacy as BLH2 and know his initials are after one of the most amazing human beings, whose light will continue to shine in our lives and hearts of those she loved so deeply.
Barb is survived by her loving husband; her daughter and their spouse; her brother; and many nieces and nephews; and countless friends, all who will carry her spirit in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents.
We love her forever ….and a day!
A celebration of life will occur in late June. Please watch the website for updates or call (262) 241-8085
In lieu of flowers, a remembrance in Barbara's name would be gratefully appreciated to: St. Ann Church, P.O. Box 100, Saxon, Wisconsin, 54559.
