Born August 6, 1969, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Barbara lived a life centered on family, friendship, and caring for others. She believed there was always room for more kindness in the world. She approached life with grace, compassion, and the conviction that we can always choose to be a little kinder. It wasn't simply something she believed—it was the principle by which she lived.
Her greatest gift was making people feel like they mattered. Everyone fortunate enough to know Barbara was better for it.
After graduating from Pioneer Joint Vocational School, Barbara devoted her entire professional career to the dental field. She cared for patients and treasured the friendships she built with dentists, coworkers, and staff. She often spoke with gratitude about the wonderful people she worked alongside, especially Dr. Greg Owens and Dr. Andrew Gast and believed everybody should be lucky enough to work for a boss like Andy.
Barbara found joy in tending her gardens, caring for her home, skiing with family, traveling, family beach vacations, and having fun times with loved ones. She especially enjoyed preserving memories through photographs, capturing life's special moments and sharing them with family and friends.
Nothing brought Barbara greater happiness than the family she and Todd built together. She delighted in watching Grant and Emma grow into remarkable young adults.
Grant shares Barbara's open heart and compassion, while Emma possesses the inner strength, determination and wit Barbara so deeply admired. Barbara celebrated each of her children for who they are, encouraged them to become the very best versions of themselves, and hoped they would always lead lives marked by kindness, integrity, and love.
Barbara's greatest blessing was sharing twenty-nine wonderful years of marriage with Todd. Together they built a home filled with laughter, family traditions, and unwavering love.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Todd Wise; her children, Grant Wise and Emma Wise; her mother, Janet Shirk; sisters, Bobbette Trace (Albert) and Kim Marie Shirk (Bill Skorpiun); her brothers, Bobby Shirk and Russell Shirk (Cherie); her favorite mother-in-law, Shirley Wise; her sister-in-law, Wendy Lippus (Bryan); her “Indiana Family”; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bob Shirk and father-in-law, Jack Wise.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-3:00 pm on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road with the memorial service immediately following. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Barbara’s life. The Celebration of Life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to Reserve Care Hospice (“What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe”) or the American Cancer Society.
Barbara's family invites everyone who knew her to honor her memory by living as she did—with patience, grace, and a little more kindness toward one another. After all, as Barbara believed, we can always be nicer. Let her light and smile shine on.
