Barbara Joan Gaffron

Barbara J. Gaffron, 81, of Springfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025. 

Born in New York on February 11, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Mary (Gunska) Suchoski. 

Barbara dedicated her life to the service of others, ultimately finding her calling as a compassionate and devoted social worker. She believed deeply in the power of education and, despite facing numerous challenges, proudly earned her bachelor’s degree from Western New England College while raising a young family—a testament to her resilience, determination, and strength of character. 

A lifelong lover of books, Barbara shared her passion for reading with her family. Some of her granddaughters’ fondest memories are of joyful visits with her to the Sixteen Acres Branch of the Springfield Library—moments filled with curiosity, imagination, and connection.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Christian Gaffron of Chicopee, MA, and John Gaffron of Ludlow, MA, along with her daughter-in-law, Rebecca; her cherished granddaughters, Jolie and Callie Gaffron; her three brothers, Donald Suchoski, Gary Suchoski, and Brian Suchoski; and her sister, Sharon Segerstrom. She was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Caffrey.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Springfield Library Foundation, PO Box 28, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/donateefp/.  

New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Barbara’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.