Barbara Ruppert

Barbara Noreck Ruppert is the founder of Grave Finder at St. Stan’s, a unique and comprehensive searchable database of St. Stanislaus R.C. Cemetery in Cheektowaga, New York. Over the course of 16 years, Barbara has meticulously indexed over 93,000 burials, captured photographs of gravestones, and created detailed maps to help individuals trace their family roots and honor ancestors. Her dedication to preserving history and making it accessible has made her project an invaluable resource for genealogists and community members alike.

Barbara’s journey to creating Grave Finder was deeply personal. After being forced to stop working due to severe illness, she channeled her energy into this project while recovering from complex spinal surgeries. She credits Dr. Gregory Castiglia, an exemplary neurosurgeon, with saving her life and providing hope after years of misdiagnoses, ER visits, and agonizing pain. His care and expertise allowed her to regain mobility and pursue her passion for assisting others.

A retired art teacher from Dunkirk Middle School, Barbara earned her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Rosary Hill College (now Daemen) and a Master’s in Education from Buffalo State University. Her background in the arts informs her meticulous documentation and photographic work, blending creativity with precision.

Barbara’s goal is to expand the reach of her work and raise awareness for Grave Finder. Operating largely independently, she hopes to connect with a broader network to share the significance of her project and continue helping people navigate cemeteries—even those with physical constraints—while preserving the rich history of St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

• Rosary Hill College - BS
• Buffalo State University - M.Ed.