Barbara Pandy

Beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, Barbara J. Pandy, passed away on August 24, 2024. Barbara’s 92 years were filled serving others. With a caring personality and wonderful sense of humor, Barbara’s kindness toward others will be missed by all who knew her.

Barbara was born on December 14, 1931 to Hazel and Edwin Junk of Uniontown, PA. She graduated from Uniontown High School and completed her bachelor’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Barbara met her future husband, Robert Pandy, at OSU, and they married on December 26, 1953. Barbara and Robert had a loving 41-year marriage and raised two children, Susan and David. The family enjoyed visiting parks, museums, historic sites, and beaches along the Northeast coastline.

After marrying, Barbara and Robert spent two years in Texas while Robert was stationed at Fort Hood. They moved back to Columbus, where Barbara taught kindergarten and elementary music classes. They eventually moved to Western New York where Susan and David were born. Barbara began a lifetime of volunteering for her local libraries and serving as a substitute teacher while living in Amherst, NY.

Moving to Pittsburgh, PA in 1974, Barbara became involved in the Pittsburgh Adult Literacy Program and developed and maintained warm friendships with her students throughout her life. An accomplished pianist, Barbara also began a long career as a private piano teacher. Barbara also loved playing bridge, fostering lasting friendships through that community everywhere she lived.

In 1990, Barbara and Robert moved to Omaha, NE, where she became involved as a volunteer librarian at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. In addition, she volunteered with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Omaha Literacy Council. Following the death of Robert in 1994, she found great joy and comfort in teaching English as a second language to newcomers and international students.

In 1998, Barbara moved to Cary, NC to be close to her daughter and grandchildren, continuing to volunteer at the Eva Perry Library, teach piano students, play bridge, and travel. Adored by her family, Barbara is survived by her children, Susan Pandy Gardner (John) and David Pandy (Elizabeth Mata-Pandy); grandchildren David Gardner (Jennifer), Emily Gardner Cloninger (Charles Cloninger), Ben Gardner (Elizabeth Poston), Nora Gardner, Kyle Pandy, Sophie Pandy, and her great grandchildren Miles and Kayla Gardner.

Barbara believed in giving and helping others in need. She gave regular donations to Raleigh Food Bank, The Salvation Army, Boys Town, Dorcas Ministries, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and more. Donations in her honor can be made to any of these organizations.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within "Add a Memory" for the Pandy family.