Barbara Jean Cashin

Barbara Jean Cashin, 79, of Orleans, Mass., beloved sister to her two siblings and friend to many, died unexpectedly April 16 at Cape Cod Hospital. “She left us too soon and will be missed by her many friends and family members who loved her deeply,” said her sister, Christine Kovach (nee Sulin, husband Ronald), of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Barbara was best-known in the Orleans area as a board member for many years helping to manage the Orleans Community Exchange, a nonprofit consignment shop that provides scholarships to area high school students.

A loving, good-humored woman, she enjoyed her network of close friends, who were so caring for her after she suffered an initial stroke about five years ago. The oldest of three siblings, she is remembered by her sister and brother, Alton Sulin (wife Marjorie), of Rocky River, Ohio, as “a protector, supporter, teacher, and friend.”

Barbara (nee Stefanic) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1943, to Helen Sulin (nee Wasnick) and Edward Stefanic. Her mother later remarried George Sulin. Barbara attended Magnificat High School, and upon graduation began work at Ohio Bell/AT&T in Cleveland. There, her precision and attention to detail helped her rise to a managerial position.

She retired early and began participating in volunteer activities, including her tireless work for the consignment shop. She and her late husband, Lew Cashin, loved their life on Cape Cod. The couple shared their passion for selling crafts and antiques at the Wellfleet Flea Market.

Barbara was a loving aunt to her nieces Kate Bir (nee Sulin, husband Ryan) of Westlake, Ohio, Kim Vargo (deceased), Melissa McGaughey (nee Kovach, husband Gabe) of Fox Point, a Milwaukee suburb; and Daniel Kovach (wife Jordan) of Alexandria, Va.; a loving great-aunt to Claire and Ellie Bir, Holly McCaughey, and Emma Kovach; and a beloved friend of many in Orleans, Mass., and Cleveland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Orleans Community Exchange, P.O. Box 2542, Orleans, MA 02653. Burial will be in Avon, Ohio. Information about a small memorial program is pending and will be made available through Nickerson Funeral Home, Orleans, MA.