Barbara Ann Lackney

Barbara Ann Lackney, 87, wife of Robert R. Lackney, of Danville, Kentucky, passed away August 24, 2025, in Danville, Kentucky, from an extended illness.

 Born August 8, 1938, in Toledo, Ohio, to Mary Pietrazak and Ernest Kolinski, Barbara was the eldest of three children. She attended St. Hedwig’s Elementary School and St. Vincent de Paul and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1956. It was there, at a high school football game, that she met the love of her life, Robert Roger Lackney. They were married on June 25, 1960, in the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio. Together, they built a life filled with love, raising four sons, welcoming nine grandchildren, and caring for 11 dogs.

 Barbara’s chosen service was to children. She earned her State of Ohio Teaching Certificate and studied Elementary Education at the University of Toledo and Mary Manse College. She became employed by the Toledo Public Schools for two years, where she taught kindergarten, third, and fifth grades. She also taught at Gateway Preschool. As Director of Preschool at Kinder Kollege, a service offered by the Collingwood United Methodist Church in Toledo, OH., Barbara expanded the co-operative model, essentially the first in the area, with new, innovative ideas. A co-operative of parents and caregivers, Kinder Kollege became her personal ministry, and Barbara credited that experience as one of the most meaningful in her life. She not only taught and cared for the children there, but she also learned about herself and others as well.

 Valuing education, Barbara attended continuing education classes during summer sessions at Michigan State University, East Lansing, she earned a computer certificate from the University of Toledo in 1984. Barbara graduated with honors in 1988 from Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies; her focus was on the Old Testament. Barbara was a member of Theta Alpha Kappa, a national honor society for Theology. She then went on to teach Social Justice, Lifestyles, and Old Testament at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, OH. Relocating with her family, she also taught children in Raleigh, NC, Nashville, TN, and Brighton, MI.

 Barbara’s life also involved volunteering her time to community service agencies. A dedicated mother of four sons, Barbara was a Den Mother with the Cub Scouts of America. She served with the Old Orchard Mother’s Club and the St. Francis de Sales High School Mother’s Club in Toledo, OH. She was also active in the Toledo Pre-School Teachers Association. As an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi, Barbara’s service to her sorority included: 1956 Vice President of Pledge Class, Board Member of Alumni Group: Toledo Theta Psi Chapter (1965-76), Recording Secretary (1972-73), President Elect (1973-74), President (1973-75).

 Barbara felt humility to become involved in ministry, so she attended a diaconate program with the Divine Word Seminary, under Father Cleo Schmench in Sylvania, OH. As one of the first women to attend the program, Barbara completed her studies and was installed as a lay minister. She served the Catholic Church in many ways. Barbara was the St. Pius Church Chairman of the Home Nursing Visitation program. She volunteered with Flower Hospital and was the Eucharistic Minister with Lake Park Nursing Home. At the request of Bishop James Hoffman, she was a Minister of the Eucharist. Barbara served her Nashville, TN community by volunteering with the Vanderbilt University Children’s Hospital Child Life Program. Settling in Danville, KY, Barbara volunteered with Ephraim McDowell Hospital.

Dedicated to her family and God, Barbara served others throughout her life. She felt that the most important responsibilities in her life were being a wife and mother. Barbara believed every else she did supported her in those roles.

 Barbara’s life was anchored in faith, family, and service.  She believed her greatest roles were as a wife and mother, and everything else she did was in support of those callings.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Roger Lackney; sons; Dr. Todd Lackney of Danville, KY, Christopher (Crystal)  Lackney of Bellows Falls, VT, and Dr. Matthew (Lyndsey) Lackney of Cincinnati, OH; her brother Gary Kolinski, nine grandchildren; Nickolas (Sidney), Frances, Charlotte, Evelyn, Mary, Camen (Alyssa), Kiernen, Anna Claire and Cameron, her great-granddaughter Anika and daughter-in-law Jill Lackney.  She was preceded in death by her son, Dr. Jeffery Lackney and sister Diane Szutienko.

Barbara’s family would like to thank Caregivers by Linda for their love and care.

A private family Mass was held.

Memorial donations are suggest to Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church.