Barbara L. Gorman

Barbara L. Gorman, 57, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at UW Hospital, Madison, in the loving arms of her family, from complications following liver transplant surgery. Barb went peacefully to be with her mother, brother, and sister for a joyful reunion of all our loved ones. Barb was born September 23, 1958, in Madison, daughter of John and Mary Gorman. After 29 years of companionship and love, Barb married Sharon Diedrich on October 25th, 2015.Barb graduated from UW- Lacrosse with a degree in recreational therapy and a masters degree in Organizational Leadership from Marian University. Barb began her career at the Sheltered Activity Center in Appleton, providing community interaction for people with special needs. She also was a coach for Special Olympics, taking a team to the International Special Olympic games. She later served as area director for the Appleton Area Special Olympics teams.Barb was currently employed at Agnesian HealthCare for over 25 years. She had a sincere desire to assist patients to return to their active lifestyles after major illnesses when she worked with the team on the Center for Physical Rehab. Barb was currently part of the Project Management team at Agnesian HealthCare, focusing on providing quality care for patients.Her passion for her family was paramount. Her early years in Madison, supporting her brothers and sisters, parents, and community, was just the beginning of her giving heart. She always put others needs ahead of her own. While Barb was in college, she unselfishly gifted a kidney to her sister Kathy. Barb was also blessed by an organ donor and her family appreciated this gift from their family.Barb's zeal for life was reflected in her love of nature. From walking her dog Buddy, to camping, hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and traveling, she was always planning the next adventure. Her annual trips to Door County and Minoqua, with family and friends, was always on her destination list. Her life long dream to visit all the National Parks, was almost realized. Last summer, she treated herself to the car of her dreams, and enjoyed tooling around in her convertible; if Sharon was not in the front seat, Buddy, her beloved dog was.Barb had a hidden talent she shared with very few people, she was a pianist; her love of music was inspired by her mother.Survivors include, her spouse, Sharon Diedrich; her father, John H. Gorman; her brother, Jeff Gorman, (Christine), and their children: Ryley, Zachary, and Gabrielle; her sister, Anne Gorman, (Kim Chytka), Harley Schneider (dear family friend); her in- laws: Leonard (Fritz) and Myra Diedrich, Joanne Diedrich, Nancy Stephanie, Tom (Chris) Diedrich, Ken (Sandy) Diedrich, Jan (Doug) Goebel, and Carol (Jef) Voelker, and their families. She is further survived by many dear relatives and friends, and her faithful companion, Buddy.She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Gorman; her brother, Michael Gorman; her sister, Kathy Pope, and brother-in-law, Bob Stephanie.VISITATION: The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Immanuel-Trinity Lutheran Church, 20 Wisconsin American Drive, Fond du Lac.SERVICES: A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday at Immanuel-Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Meyer officiating.Cremation has taken place.In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Agnesian Hospice Home of Hope.Barb’s family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Lisa Weber of Fond du lac Regional Clinic, Dr. James Runo, Amy and the nursing and transplant staff of UW Madison for the care they provided to Barb, the liver donor and their family, and all of Barb's family and friends that have showed us so much love and support through her final journey. It's all coasting now!

Barbara L. Gorman

September 23, 1958 - February 17, 2016