Barbara A. Wittenauer 1935-2025

Barbara was born Aug. 2, 1935, the third daughter of Henry Paul and Elizabeth DeMain.

She attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and graduated from East High School. In 1953, she entered St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse in 1956.

She married Francis J. “Jerry” Wittenauer on June 15, 1957, and worked full- and part-time at the hospital over the next 11 years between relocations and a growing family.

During the first 12 years of marriage, she and her family lived in six different locations as her husband was transferred from place to place. In 1970, after relocating to Howland, she worked at Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital until her husband was transferred to Cleveland.

It was in Howland that she took up her love of quilting, but in Brecksville, she hit her stride. She made over 40 quilts, all by hand. While in Howland, she was a member of the St. Joseph’s Auxiliary, JFK Band Boosters and the Elks Club. On her 50th wedding anniversary, she presented each of her beloved with their favorite handmade quilt. She was also an accomplished toll painter.

She and her husband moved to New Middletown in 1991 and immediately became immersed in the family of St. Paul the Apostle Parish. She was a member of the Altar Guild, lector and an altar server for daily Masses. For years, she also enjoyed making piroghy.

She and her husband traveled extensively and many times, set up tours to varied places for the “Church Group” and others.

She led an exemplary and full life surrounded by a wealth of friends. She was an avid reader and never watched TV without something on her lap to sew or quilt. She was an avid swimmer and belonged to the YMCA.

She is survived by her legacy to the world at large, her five children, Laura (Jack), Jerry (Kathy), Mary, John (Kelly) and Susan (John). She also leaves eight grandchildren, Emily, Dylan, Alex, Rachel, Dani, Daniel, Sarah and Christopher; and six great-grandchildren, Caleb, Elise, Ezra, Gavin, Riley and Eve.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; and sisters, Patricia and Donna.

A special heartfelt thank you to the staff at Masternick Memorial in New Middletown, where Barb resided for the past four years, and to the staff of Akeso Home Hospice, who provided great comfort in her final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown.

Friends may call 10 to 10:50 a.m. Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the building fund of St. Paul the Apostle Church, 10143 Main St., New Middletown, OH 44442.

Visit www.clementefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and send condolences.

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