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December 16, 2010
On December 16, 2010, in Naples, Fla., Barbara Mary Urbanski, formerly of Pringle, went to eternal rest.
Born in Hanover Township on August 23, 1931, a daughter to Henry and Mary Wytanis (nee Zagacki), Barbara grew up in Sugar Notch and lived a life full of energy and exemplary accomplishments.
A graduate of St. Leo’s High School in Ashley, Barbara also attended Wyoming Seminary for college preparatory study and attended Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing. Before marriage, Barbara was employed as civilian administrative staff by the U.S.A.F. at the former Roosevelt Field AFB in Hempstead, N.Y.
Married to John Urbanski in 1954, Barbara dedicated most of her life to being a loving wife and mother to her husband and four sons, supporting them in work, in school and in the home. Among other activities, Barbara was president of the Sacred Heart School, Wilkes-Barre, PTA; volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother; served as a judge of elections; chaired the annual Kosciuszko Foundation’s Ball; and helped her husband’s business recover from both fire and the flood of 1972.
Although she would never declare herself as such, Barbara was an early feminist who truly was an equal partner with her husband. She was also a lifetime tomboy, earning a brown belt in Judo during the 1960s, taking her sons fishing, and teaching them how to play baseball, punt a football and parallel park.
Residing in Naples, Fla., since 1988, Barbara was an avid card and bingo player, enjoyed picking mushrooms, and was a master at crafts such as crocheting.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary, to whom she was devoted; her sisters, Henrietta and Antoinette; and her brother, Henry Jr.
Surviving are her husband John; sons, John, Cotati, Calif., Jeffrey, Pringle, Jay, Nanticoke, and Jared, Pringle; as well as 11 grandchildren and many friends.
Barbara was a mother lion, who fiercely loved and protected her family.
She will be missed by all who loved her more than any words can ever say.