WESS – Barbara A., 85, New Germany, went to be with the Lord, February 25, 2023, at home surrounded by loving family. Born July 11, 1937, in Dunlo, daughter of Stephen J. and Barbara F. (Matlin) Bakale. Preceded in death by parents; husband, David C. Wess, who died April 10, 1991; grandson, Bradley J. Wess; sisters, Mildred Fedore and Eleanora Estok; and brothers, Stephen Jr., Ernest, Edward, Joseph, and Robert Bakale.
Survived by children, Lisa, wife of Dennis Pegden and their children, Wes, Whitney, Kelsey, and Calder; David J., married to Karen R. (Wirfel) and their children, Steven and Karissa; Dennis, married to Elizabeth (Castillo) and their children, Brian, Jill, and Mark; and Doug, married to Linda (Dumm) and their children, Emma, Paige, and Jon; 7 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Mary Naglic, Dolores (Tony) Gwidzak, Betty Jane Pristas, and Darlene (Steve) Berzansky.
Babs, to those who knew her, was dedicated to her family. She encouraged each of her four children to pursue their dreams and helped them along the way. She was a taskmaster mom who celebrated the joys of everyday life. She loved going dancing on Saturday nights and especially enjoyed annual Croatian family reunions. After her children were launched she spent countless more hours with her grandchildren, tending them and cheering from the sidelines. Babs was a registered nurse at Lee Hospital for more than 25 years. Always kind and professional, she was loved by her patients and respected by her colleagues. In later years she chose to work on Christmas day so that nurses with young children could be home with their families. Barbara loved traveling with her husband, and later with her children. She visited Germany, Italy, France, and South America. She loved hosting traditional holiday dinners for her large family. Grown grandchildren still clamor for “grandma’s stuffing.” Throughout her life, Barbara was hardworking and uncomplaining. Even as her death drew near she did not want to be a burden to any of her family. She passed with the quiet and stoic dignity that had defined her life. She will be missed dearly and daily.
Honoring her wishes there will be no visitation.
Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass, which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, New Germany; Father Joseph C. Nale, celebrant.
Livestream to begin at 10:50 a.m. at
www.facebook.com/dimondfuneralhome
Committal of urn, St. Marys Cemetery.
Arrangements by Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork.
Tribute Video
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