Barbara A. Piispanen

March 27, 1939 ~ January 26, 2025
Born in:
Painesville, OH
Resided in:
Madison, OH
Barbara A. Piispanen, 85, of Madison, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Divine Living of Madison. Born on March 27, 1939, in Painesville, Ohio, Barbara was the daughter of John and Esther (Hietanen) Cleary. She married Thomas Piispanen on August 15, 1964 in Fairport Harbor, Ohio.
Barbara grew up in Fairport Harbor and, after high school, felt called to serve as a missionary in New Guinea. Her passion for teaching led her to a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher at both McKinley Elementary in Fairport Harbor and Homer Nash Kimball in Madison, where she remained until retirement. Her teaching style went beyond academics and included teaching valuable lessons in responsibility and kindness. She spoke fondly of creating a “store” in her classroom where children earned points to “purchase” small rewards; a simple but powerful way to encourage good behavior. Her classroom was also a place of warmth, offering students a hug or a handshake because she knew not all children received them at home.
Barbara was a true servant leader. Her generosity and heart extended far beyond the classroom. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the local food bank, and her church. She was an active and devoted member of Central Congregational Church, where she participated in the Bell Choir, bible study, and helped out in any way she could, including scanning temperatures at the door during COVID-19 to ensure the doors could stay open and everyone remained healthy. Barbara was most passionate when she had an opportunity to combine her hobbies and creativity with her faith. She participated in the Card Ministry, making each card by hand and sending them to members of the church for many occasions, including hospitalizations, illnesses, birthdays, and anniversaries. She also crocheted hats and blankets for those in need.
Barbara cared deeply for her family, both near and far, and always made gestures to let them know they were thought of and prayed for. She handmade a card for every birthday and holiday; crocheted baby blankets and clothes; and sewed elaborate quilts and pillows for gifts. She even crocheted 20 miniature baby blankets for her great-granddaughter’s baby dolls. Barbara loved spending time with her two grandchildren, jokingly referring to them as her “favorite (only) grandson” and “favorite (only) granddaughter” up until her great-granddaughters were born. She will be remembered for being fully present and including them in her hobbies and rituals, even if it slowed her down. She taught them how to make cinnamon rolls from scratch, letting them eat the “uglies” while the others were reserved for bake sales.
Barbara was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed. She will be remembered for her faith, compassion, humor, and creativity; her memory will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
Barbara is survived by her sons, Timothy Piispanen and Michael Piispanen; grandson, Thomas Piispanen; granddaughter, Jessica Larkins; great-granddaughters, Lillianna Piispanen, Nora Larkins, and Isla Larkins; her brother, Ken Cleary; and her sisters, Judi (Cleary) Fordyce and Sally (Cleary) Griffiths. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents; and her stepbrother, Robert Lurvey.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, at Central Congregational Church, 71 Park Street, Madison Village. Family and friends are invited to gather from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Rick Hughes will officiate. The Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. The online obituary and guestbook can be found at www.behmfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Central Congregational Church in Barbara’s name.
Services
Visitation: Saturday, February 22, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Central Congregational Church
71 Park Street
Madison, OH 44057
440-428-3802
Memorial Service: Saturday, February 22, 2025 11:00 am
Central Congregational Church
71 Park Street
Madison, OH 44057
440-428-3802
Barb and I taught school together at HNK. I always respected her both professionally and personally. She gave so much of herself to educating and nurturing children plus her church. RIP Barb. My sincere condolences to the family.