Barbara Jean "Aunty Barb" Kampmeyer Cooke, 79, of Lake City, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8th, 2025

Born March 26th, 1946 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Barbara was the daughter of the late Edward and Sylvia Kampmeyer. She grew up with siblings Marlene, June, Ervin, Gary, and John, carrying with her the warmth and kindness that defined her life.

Barb was a trailblazing pioneer in nursing, building a career that placed her at the forefront of cardiac and surgical care. At UC San Diego Medical Center, she rose to become Head Nurse of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, where she directed open-heart surgery teams, mentored the next generation of nurses, and helped establish standards that elevated patient care nationwide.

She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Nursing from UCSF, one of the nation's leading medical schools. Her accomplishments and leadership earned her induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, an honor extended to fewer than 1% of nurses. This distinction recognized her as one of the top nurses.

Her influence didn't end there. Barb co-authored professional journals and developed policies that continue to shape modern nursing and operating room practices. She also traveled the country as a speaker for the American Heart Association, sharing her expertise and shaping the profession on a national stage.

Outside her career, Barb was adventurous — a certified sailor and scuba diver — and she found joy in her garden and the quiet satisfaction of yard work. Though she had no children of her own, she became the beloved "Aunty Barb" to generations of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-greats, who knew her as protective, selfless, and endlessly loving.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Cooke (2005); her parents; and siblings Marlene, Ervin, and John. She is survived by her siblings June and Gary, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will forever cherish her memory.

Barbara will not only be remembered for her accomplishments as a pioneer in nursing, but mostly for her faith in Jesus. Her faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life and a source of great strength. Her love for her family and others was very evident to those around her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association or to a nursing scholarship fund.