Barbara J. Prochnicki

Barbara J. Prochnicki (May 4, 1943–July 7, 2025)

Beloved mother, grandmother and sister, Barbara J. Prochnicki, 82, of Rockford, IL, passed away on July 7, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Multiple myeloma. 

Born in Chicago, IL to John and Mary Abromaitis, she attended Maria Catholic High School before completing nursing school in 1964. She went on to earn a BS in nursing from Rockford College in 1982 and an MS in public health from NIU in 1995. 

In 1964 Barb married Louis Prochnicki, who inscribed her high school yearbook “To a sweet girl whose personality packs a punch” in Chicago, IL. Together they had children David and Karen while living in Texas, Georgia and Illinois. 

Barb was passionate about nursing and worked as an RN in various roles including many years in the NICU. She then went on to work as a nurse educator and Perinatal Network Administrator with Rockford Health System. Barb dedicated over 40 years to healthcare and was a tireless advocate for improved outcomes in mother/baby health  before retiring in 2014.

Barb leaves behind a son, David [Toby] and daughter Karen and numerous grandchildren great-grandchildren including:  Tristan Eddy (Patrick), Kiryn Martinez, Kalee Scales, Joel Prochnicki, Ryan Schoon, Asher Prochnicki, Addison Prochnicki, Benjamin Prochnicki, Dylan McCollom, Sebastian Prochnicki and Daniel Baughman. Barb loved being a grandma, always sending birthday packages or insisting on dessert first when out to eat. 

Friends and colleagues remember Barb as a “work mom”, mentor and friend who would do anything for her coworkers and her patients. She was an unsung hero to many whose strength and compassion knew no bounds. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her friends, colleagues, patients & those who loved her.

Barb was active with March of Dimes for many years, devoting her time and energy to ending preventable maternal and infant health risks and deaths.  Barb was also a voracious reader and volunteered as a literacy coach with various organizations.

Barb loved history, jazz and blues music and any activities involving her grandkids. Although her illness slowed her down, she loved to travel, adventuring to historical locations or to visit family over the years.

Barb was preceded in death by her father, John, mother, Mary brother Richard Abromaitis, ex-husband Lou Prochnicki, and is survived by her children David Prochnicki (Toby), daughter Karen McCollom and brother John Abromaitis.

A private celebration of life will be held in her honor. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to OSF hospice. 

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