Obituary of Barbara W. Radziemski

Barbara Woodruff Radziemski (nee Barbara Eileen Woodruff) passed away on June 29, 2023 in Tucson, AZ. She was the daughter of Eileen Woodruff and Horace Orin Woodruff.  Barbara was born on July 16, 1943 in Sparrow’s Point, MD. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Horace “Harcie” M. Woodruff.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, Leon Joseph Radziemski; her two much loved children: daughter Elizabeth Gaines (Earley) with husband Kelly Jack Gaines; and son, Christopher Earley with wife Karin Esme Roux; and five adored grandchildren Miranda Elizabeth Pond, Kayla Marie Pond, Alexander David Ward, Olivia Madison Gaines, and Lillian Jane Earley. Barbara is also survived by Leon’s children and their families whom she loved dearly: Michael Radziemski, his wife Noemi, and children Lily, Michael and Max; and Timothy Radziemski and his wife Mary-Ellen.

As a child, she showed an early interest in the sciences. In 1958, at the age of 14, she participated in the third annual Baltimore Science Fair, entering the Physics Division, presenting on Home Made Rockets. She went on to graduate from Western Maryland College (now known as McDaniel College) in Westminster, MD in 1965, with a Bachelors in Psychology. Barbara’s career spanned many years working in administrative support at universities of New Mexico State University and Washington State University, where she enjoyed supporting student success in the Humanities including American Studies, English and History. She retired from Washington State University in 2002 (Go Cougs!).

Barbara dove into many interests outside of work and caring for her family. She was a renaissance crafter and became highly skilled in fiber arts and needle work including weaving, quilting, sewing, knitting, and cross-stitch. Friends and family treasured many beautiful and personal gifts over the years. No matter where she lived, Barbara always served her community through volunteerism. Barbara also had a strong interest in genealogy and traced her family’s lineage to early European settlers of contemporary New York State.

Barbara had a deep curiosity about other cultures, and with Leon traveled to many parts of the globe. They visited countries of South America, western Europe, Russia, and also traveled the United States, often by car. In particular, Barbara loved visiting Poland as Leon connected with relatives while exploring his own genealogy.

Overall, Barbara lived a life of love, curiosity and compassion, and through her thoughtful and quiet nature found her way into many hearts. She was an extraordinary mother and her calm and loving parenting is a legacy that has been passed into future generations.

Arrangements are being handled by Bring’s Broadway Chapel located at 6910 E Broadway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85710. The family will announce a Celebration of Life at a future time. A funeral mass will be held on July 15  from 10:30am-11:15am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Barbara’s family would like to extend special gratitude to the care providers at the Gardens at Hacienda at the Canyon. Their thoughtful care enabled her to live with dignity and grace in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to The West in Tucson, AZ (http://thewestinc.com) where Barbara spent many years as a volunteer; or the Barbara W. and Leon J. Radziemski Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship at New Mexico State University (https://phys.nmsu.edu/scholarships_giving/scholarships_giving.html).