Barbara J. Wengernuk peacefully passed away on June 17, 2017.

Barbara was born on September 26, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pa. to Anthony and Frances Cieslinski. She graduated from Little Flower High School and went on to attend Temple University where she earned a degree in music. After graduating, she went to work as a Music Supervisor directing music programs at three elementary schools in a Philadelphia suburban school district. In addition, she taught private piano lessons and at one time had twenty-five students. After leaving her teaching job, she and her husband, Gene, started their family, which quickly produced three children; and then after a ten year hiatus along came Kevin, who she lovingly liked to refer to him as her gift from God.

Barbara, after raising her family, showed her diverse skills by working for a bridal shop and the Hershey Chocolate Company as a retail merchandiser. She retired from Hershey and decided to volunteer in music at the Mayo and Rolling Knolls Elementary Schools to help her granddaughter, Emma master the cello. Over the twelve years of volunteering, she inspired many students and helped them to learn and excel in music. Two years ago, her talents were formally recognized when she was named the Volunteer of the Year for Anne Arundel County. Barbara also sang in the Our Lady of the Fields Church choir, of which she was a member for over 40 years.

Barbara is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years Gene; four children, Christine, Carol, David, Kevin; and nine grandchildren, Evan, Katharine, Laura, Emma, Benjamin, Caroline, Logan, Amaya and Phoenix.

Barbara was dedicated to her nine grandchildren.  Whatever their passion, she was there to support them, be it sports, school plays or band/orchestra concerts.  She was their biggest fan.  She also instilled the love of music in each one.  Barbara created countless memories with and for her grandchildren.  For many years, she and Gene would take three separate summer trips to Hershey Park, grouping the children so that she could tailor the experience by age.  As the children got older, she would add a day of culture or education to the trip.  To this day, her grandchildren talk about these experiences and memories.  She was the perfect grandmother.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, in Severna Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Fields Roman Catholic Church, 1070 Cecil Ave. South, Millersville, MD 21108. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave. Norwalk, CT. 06851 or at their website, https://www.themmrf.org/donate-to-mmrf/ .

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com