Barbara Tanki

Barbara Tanki, age 85, of Wayne, NJ (and previously, Wyckoff) passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20th , 2025 with loving family and friends by her side.

Barbara was born in the Bronx, NY to parents, Stephen and Bea Trama. She is survived by her sister, Frances Bruno. Barbara graduated from St. Pius X High School in the Bronx.

Barbara met the love of her life, Frank Tanki, late in high school. Barbara and Frank quickly developed an incredible bond, each bringing unique personalities but a common sense of family and values. They were married for almost 60 years until Frank's passing.

Barbara and Frank's marriage was blessed with two children, Stephanie and Frank John, Jr. They would eventually move from NYC to New Jersey, and they were proud residents of Wyckoff for over 45 years.

Barbara had an incredible spirit, was a free-thinker, and deeply loved her family, friends and the arts. After high school, she had various administrative jobs at different companies. She was active at St. Elizabeth's RC Church in Wyckoff and at all of her children's schools. She and Frank had an amazing set of friends, and they spent a lot of time traveling (both US and abroad). They especially loved various cruise destinations and time at their second home in Highland Beach, FL. Barbara also enjoyed long chats in her home with family and friends, and she loved spending time with her four grandchildren, Alex, Ella, Lola and Luke ("love and special kisses"), and her daughter-in-law, Pamela. Barbara is survived by her children, Stephanie (Franklin Lakes) and Frank John (Westfield), her grandchildren, Alex Dalton, Ella Tanki, Lola Tanki and Luke Tanki, and her daughter-in-law, Pamela Tanki. She is also survived by her loving sister, Fran (Long Island), niece, Sarah Doerrie (Long Island) and nephew, Louis Stephen Bruno (San Francisco).

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth's RC Church, 700 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations/contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, and would be greatly appreciated.

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