Born November 15, 1941 Dayton, Ohio
Died July 24, 2020 Centerville, Ohio
Preceded in death by parents Charles W. Wood, Georgene A. Wood (Meyer), brothers-in-law James H. Duncan, Robert E. Romanowski and her beloved dog Cosy. Survived by husband William T. Polak, son Charles W. Zimmerman, daughters Pamela A. Zimmerman, Amy J. McDade and spouse John C. McDade, sisters Mary Jo Duncan, Janice Ann Romanowski, brother-in-law Ronald E. and spouse Mary Catherine Polak, stepdaughters Valerie J. Polak and spouse Howie P. Hyde, Sheila A. and spouse Jim L. Bitner, grandchildren Danielle and Dan Beachler, Stephanie and Tony Sagaria, Melinda Cooper, Chad and Krystal Shay, Cynthia and Matthew Lewis, Heather Roche, Jesse Shay, great-grandchildren Russell Junior (RJ), Oaklynn, Harper, Jason, Dallas, Kellen and Oliver. She will also be missed by her nieces, nephews and loving friends.
She graduated from Julienne Catholic High School of Dayton, Ohio in 1959 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the Miami University of Oxford, Ohio.
Barbara was a retired school teacher for elementary and junior high school children, taught adult literacy classes, author (Boomerang Lies), local artist and member of the Miamisburg Art Gallery and member of the An Hour to Kill Book Club of Springboro.
Barbara was one of the gentlest souls who ever inhabited this earth. Her kind words and deeds lifted up everyone she touched throughout her life. She was dearly loved by her family, friends and neighbors. Barbara was her family’s rock and her absence will be felt across many generations, homes and lives.
Perhaps Barbara’s most meaningful legacy are her children who adored her beyond words. All three of them remained close to their mother throughout her life and learned compassion, confidence and the ability to love unconditionally from her. While their sense of loss will linger for many years the memories of their mother and the stories they tell will keep her spirit alive forever.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Charles Catholic Parish located at 4500 Ackerman Blvd, Kettering, Ohio 45429 at 10:00 am Eastern Time on August 7, 2020. The service will also streamed live at www.stcharles-kettering.org (select Watch Mass Online) for those who cannot attend in person.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced and held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Barbara’s favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Ohio.
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