Barbara A. Charovano

Mount Horeb- OH MY GARSH!!! Barbara Ann (Patton) Charovano ended her journey on this earth on September 18, 2025. She hugged Jesus and found her husband George waiting for her for their first dance together after 17 years of being apart.

Barb was born at home in Eau Claire WI on September 3rd, 1938, to Alva Patton and Violet Barto Patton. The youngest of 6 children Barb enjoyed dancing at school dances and going to the Hoot in Lake Hallie to listen to bands play. At that time, she was working as a nurse’s aide at Luther Hospital where her director told her she should go to school to be a Nurse. Barb came to Madison and lived on the square while going to nursing school. Her and her Girlfriend’s would always go to their favorite hangout and sit in “their corner booth” for a soda. That’s where she met the handsome Airman from Ohio. They dated for a short time and married 5 days after Barb graduated from nursing school in 1959. “Two can live cheaper than one” was how George put it, and they began their family. Barb was a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison for over 40 years. During that time of raising her family she enjoyed traveling and dancing. She missed George singing in her ear as they danced. She would tell people that she taught him how to dance and that he was never able to dance with anyone else. Family was her focus, and she loved playing cards or games with friends. Always a lot of laughter with Connie and Rick Evans. Barb loved to travel. When George passed Linda and Debra would soon become her traveling companions. Barb loved history so they would travel to the oldest city in a state or go to Door County if it was for a quick weekend.

Barb and George had four children: Michael, Karen, Linda (Tyler) Marks and Debra (Patrick) Frank. She had four granddaughters Melodie (Eric) Siegmeier, Megan Marks and Mercedes and Amyas Frank. Three great grandsons, Max, Mason and Elias Siegmeier. Barb is further survived by her sister Lois Kaska (Cadott), sister-in-law Maria Patton (Eau Claire), brother and sister-in-law Robert and Noni Charovano (Loveland, CO). Many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her Husband George, infant daughter Karen Marie, her parents, brothers Calvin, Duaine (Gladys), Ronald and sister Donna (Ignatius) Knopps. Also, sister-in-law Esther/Rose (Walter) Ridgeley.

Barb was kind and caring. The kind of woman that had to say 10 “I love you’s” and 7 “Be careful’s” with hugs before you could leave even if you were going next door. She wasn’t a complainer but a listener. A truly good friend to all who knew her and her smile.

The family wishes to thank, albeit not enough can express their true gratitude, Minister Gill and Social Worker Ally for their continued support over the past two years. Mom loved your visits and the chance for a story, baby pictures or to listen to music. The incredible caregiving members at BeeHive Homes in Mount Horeb. Many caring “friends” that took care of her every day through good days and a few bad ones. Amazing kind hearted people taking care of a nurse who gave everything to her patients. In Barb’s words “Oh my garsh I love you all bunches and bunches and some mores and smores.” Dance for Jesus Mom and hug Dad for us. It’s not forever; it’s just for now. Until we see you again-we are loving you from here.

Visitation will be from 9-11:00 am on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Cress SUN PRAIRIE with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 am. Barbara will be brought to her final place of rest at Highland Memory Gardens in Cottage Grove following services.

If you are not able to join us in person, please register at the following link to view Barbara's service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=ba094f52-0f91-446a-9e9c-35be572649e6

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054