Barbara Jean Ferdelman

Barbara Jean Ferdelman (née Wessendorf) passed away peacefully at home.

Early Life and Education
Barbara spent her childhood in Dayton, Ohio, where she was surrounded by a loving and close-knit family, her parents, Gilbert and Rose, and her younger sister Vermilda. She had a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Together, they provided a foundation of hard work and faith, values that would shape her life. A few of her fond memories were visiting her mom’s sisters in Cincinnati and the adventures they would take her on. Barbara graduated from Juliene High School and continued her studies at the University of Dayton.

Family
After completing her education, Barbara dedicated herself to her family and community. In 1959, she married Donald, beginning a lifelong partnership characterized by devotion and shared purpose. Together, they raised five children in their family's home. Their faith was an essential part of their lives, and for nearly sixty years, they worshipped at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, located just a few blocks from their home. She coordinated the itinerary for the family's annual vacations, selecting destinations such as New England, Washington DC, Wisconsin, or coastal locations.

Career and Artistic Talents
Before starting her family, Barbara worked as an elementary school teacher in the Kettering School system, making a positive impact on the lives of many young students. At home, she expressed her artistic talents, most notably by painting a mural of a cafe in Paris in the family dining room, a piece cherished by her family until their recent remodel.

Later Years and Legacy
Following Don’s retirement in 1992, Barbara and Donald embraced their passion for travel, exploring the world with friends and family while creating lasting memories on their journeys. Barbara found joy in family gatherings, traditions, and lifelong friendships, as well as in the everyday pleasures of life. Her legacy lives on in the strong family she nurtured and the values she instilled in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in Death
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Rose (Lechner) Wessendorf; her brother-in-law and sister, Gene and Vermilda (Wessendorf) Janning; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Marilyn (Gross) Ferdelman; her aunts and uncles; her son Christopher; and numerous relatives and friends.

Survived By
She is survived by Donald Ferdelman, her husband of 66 years; her children: Michael (Lena Gentry), Julie, Christopher, David (Jill Brown), and Daniel (Marina Bergman); grandchildren: Joshua, Matthew (Erin Brown), Alyssa (Sam Brembeck), Emilie (Jonathan Speicher), Abigail (Dane Crandall), Jamison, Andrew, Jeremie (Shelby Greco), Elijah, Parker, Griffin, Riley, Rosa, and Dara; her great-grandchildren: Liam, Logan, Elias, Annalise, Basil (Matt & Erin), Dominic, Elora (Alyssa & Sam), Theodore, Wilhelmina, Josephine, Frederick (Emilie & Jonathan), Atticus (Abigail & Dane) Elijah, Jeremiah (Jeremie & Shelby); and numerous extended family and friends.

Services
Visitation will be held January 16, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, with the funeral mass to follow at 10:30 am at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd, Kettering, OH 45429. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Ave, Dayton, OH 45409.

Condolences and Memorials
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Kidney Foundation. Send condolences to the family by signing the physical guestbook at the church or through the online guestbook, located below.