Barbara A. Pawlak

Barbara A. Pawlak, a loving mother, beloved teacher, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, in Toledo, Ohio. She was born May 17, 1941, in Toledo to the late Leonard and Angeline Kowalski.

Barb was a graduate of St. Ursula Academy and Mary Manse College. She dedicated her life to education, teaching at several schools throughout her career, including St. Catherine of Siena, Green Valley in Parma, and Christ the King. Her longest and perhaps most meaningful teaching assignment was at St. John the Baptist School in Point Place, where she taught fifth grade from 1988 until her retirement in 2003.

Teaching was much more than a career for Barb, it was her calling. She touched the lives of countless children, encouraging them, challenging them, and helping them grow. Many of her former students remained part of her life long after they left her classroom. Barb proudly stayed in touch with many of them and was honored to attend their weddings and other important milestones.

Barb was a woman of deep and steadfast Catholic faith. She faithfully attended Mass every weekend and spent many years teaching catechism to children. Her faith was an important part of who she was and was reflected in the way she lived her life and cared for others.

Outside of teaching, Barb had many interests that brought her joy. She developed a love of theater during her high school years and continued to enjoy theater and musicals throughout her life. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed thrillers and crime fiction. She loved riding her bicycle, tending to her flower garden, cooking and baking, and sharing the fruits of her kitchen with family and friends.

Barb was also a devoted and supportive wife. She took great pride in her husband's coaching and could often be found in the stands cheering him on at games. She was always there to offer her encouragement and support.

Barb also looked forward to escaping Toledo winters for the sunshine and beaches of Naples, Florida. She enjoyed the warmth, beauty, and relaxed pace of her time there. A devoted sports fan, she was a huge supporter of the Cleveland Guardians and could always be counted on to follow the team.

Above all, Barb treasured her friendships. She was blessed with many loyal friends, some of whom had been part of her life since her college years. Their friendships endured through the decades, filled with laughter, stories, and, most importantly, regular standing lunch dates that gave them time to catch up and enjoy one another's company.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Amy (Edward) Hannaford and Abby (Ben) Langenderfer; sister, Debbie (Ken) Piel; grand dog, Laney; and nieces and nephew, Elizabeth, Michelle, Megan and Kevin. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Robert Pawlak.

Family and friends may visit Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 2-7 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, with a scripture service at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be Monday, August 24, 2026, at 9 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Point Place. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Ursula Academy, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, or the ProMedica Foundation.