Barbara Faulkner

Barbara Faulkner, 74, died on November 23, 2024 surrounded by her children and sisters, after a lengthy illness.

Barb grew up in Euclid, where she lived with her treasured sisters Diane Taylor and Betty Bradshaw and her beloved parents. She loved her large extended family, as well as live music. She spent much of her youth attending concerts and supporting her favorite artists as an audience and fan club member.

After graduating from Euclid High School, she went to The Ohio State University, where she met her future husband, Gregory Faulkner. A veterinary student, Greg attracted her attention during a concert, at least in part due to his rebelliously long hair. When he arrived at her house for their first date, she was dismayed to see his hair had been cut (as demanded by school administrators) and she tried to back out of the date and foist him off on her sister. Luckily for Barb’s future children, Diane said no and Barb and Greg went on to spend the next 49 years together.

After Greg’s graduation, they moved to Madison and opened Madison Veterinary Clinic, where she managed the office and served as a veterinary technician. Neither of them were natural business people, and they ran an unorthodox shop. Their young daughter could often be seen knocking around the clinic in a walker, and they played pool during slow times. But they loved animals and the community and they grew the business into a Madison institution.

Barb raised four children who adored her. She was an active volunteer at their schools, and a constant supporter of all of their endeavors. Her house was a mecca for neighborhood kids, who could often be found digging in the yard, jumping rope in the driveway, or sharing snacks at the kitchen table.

Barb was a lifelong learner. After struggling with mathematics as a child, she enrolled in college algebra as an adult to prove to herself that she could do it. This time she excelled. She was also the best friend. She adored her two book clubs, where she loved to discuss books, current events and, especially, the people that each member loved. There was nothing she enjoyed more than keeping up with all of the events of her friends’ lives, supporting them through difficult times and celebrating all of their successes.

The last decade of her life was more difficult than it should have been, with a surgical infection causing her to lose mobility and two different bouts with cancer, but she faced all of it with the same drive and optimism that marked the rest of her life.

She is survived by her children, Darci (Josh) Madden, Carrie Rodrigues, Joe Faulkner, and Emily (Hien) Pham; her grandchildren, Jack Madden, Charlotte Madden, Henry Madden, Ava Rodrigues, Audrey Rodrigues, and Sadie Pham; her sisters, Diane Taylor and Betty Bradshaw; her sister- and brother-in-law Lorraine and Greg Krashoc, and countless beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents Paulene and Arthur Taylor, and by her sister Janice Taylor.

The family would like to thank the staff of Governor’s Village assisted living in Mayfield and Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield for the exceptional care they provided to Barb. Visitation will take place from 2-4 pm on January 4, 2025 at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison with a Memorial Service immediately following at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Madison Food Center, 1954 Hubbard Road, Madison, Ohio 44057. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com