Barbara "Barb" Sovol

Barbara "Barb" Sovol (nee Mathews), age 70. Beloved wife of Edwin "Ed" Sovol, Jr. for almost 50 years. Loving mother of Becky, and Andrew "Andy" (Kelley). Cherished grandmother of Maxine and Alexandra. Dear daughter of the late Edward and Loretta Mathews (nee Haas).

Barbara “Barb” Mathews Sovol, age 70, passed away peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family. She grew up in the Parma area, and stayed very close to her parents throughout their lives. She brought joy to the lives of her adoring parents.

She was a graduate of the all-girls school Nazareth Academy in Parma Heights, Class of '73. It was during a co-ed student exchange in her senior year that she met her future husband, Ed, sparking a relationship that would last over 50 years.

She received an Associate’s degree in early childhood education in 1976. Barb and Ed skipped the formal graduation ceremony so that they could attend their wedding preparations.

Barb became a mother to daughter Becky in 1983 and son Andy in 1986. She was the most loving and encouraging mom, always proud of her children and their accomplishments. Barb and Ed built a life together with family at the forefront, watching movies together, taking family trips, creating holiday traditions and memories, and making sure their children could have the best possible education.

In 1990, she began a successful career at Sherwin Williams. Over 25 years of service, she was known for her dedication and kindness, making many lifelong friendships with her colleagues.

In 2016 she became a very proud grandmother to granddaughter Maxine, and in 2019 her second granddaughter Alexandra was born. She loved spending time with them, both in person and on weekly “video chats”, when she could talk and giggle with them.

Throughout her life, Barb was known for her thoughtfulness and genuine care for all people, treating vice presidents and janitors with the same high levels of kindness and respect. She was a beloved and compassionate neighbor, friend, and family member; keeping track of everyone's special occasions, their personal favorite bakery treats, and always sharing and sending handwritten cards, gifts, and tokens of love and care.

Barb was humble, loyal, and had the warmest heart. She was a dog lover, a kolachki connoisseur, and a talented needlepointer. Most importantly she was a cherished wife, mother, and daughter with an unshakeable faith in God.

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Barb's memory to the either of the following:

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital,

https://www.stjude.org

or the Shriner's Children's Hospital, (https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/give)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Albert the Great Church, 6667 Wallings Rd, North Royalton, OH 44133, on Saturday October 18, 2025, at 10 AM (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). The family will receive friends on FRIDAY October 17, 2025, from 4 PM - 8 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS' FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD MIDDLEBURG HTS., OH 44130 (WEST OF I-71).