Barbara A Venesy

Barbara A. Venesy passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 1, 2022. Born in Cleveland and raised in Shaker Heights, Barb graduated from Ursuline College and later earned a B.S.N. and M.S.N. from the University of Akron. After her children had grown, Barb went on to law school to earn a J.D. from the University of Akron.
Barb had a long history of dedicated service to older adults as both a nurse and an attorney. She began her nursing career at the MS Society and then Akron General Medical Center, where she helped establish the Geriatric Assessment Center. Subsequently she moved on to American Medical Response, Kaiser Permanente, and ultimately the Cleveland Clinic. Later in life, Barbara discovered her passion for law and using law as a tool for helping others. Her love and commitment to the legal profession began as a Law Clerk at the Ninth District Court of Appeals of Ohio. After that, Barb opened her law practice focused on elder law and probate law and was involved extensively with the Akron Bar Association.
She was actively involved in the community and gave generously of her time and talents to many organizations. These included serving as Chair/President of the Board of Trustees for: University of Akron Law Alumni Association, Vantage Aging (f/k/a Mature Services), Kiwanis Club of Akron, Rockynol Retirement Community, Mental Health Association of Summit County, Senior Services Network, and the University of Akron College of Nursing Alumni Board. She was always there to lend a hand, a bit of advice, and a laugh or two.
Barb also served on the Board of Trustees of: The Akron Bar Association, Western Reserve Legal Services, Akron Roundtable, University of Akron National Alumni Board, Hospice Care Center of the Visiting Nurse Service, Community Legal Aid Services, Interfaith Caregivers Program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Arlington Housing Options Plus Elderly Services.
Bringing tireless effort and enthusiasm to every aspect of life, Barb received many honors, and some of the honors she treasured include: Woman of the Year’s Thompson Award for Perseverance, Senior Lawyer of the Year, Brahce Gerontology Service Award, Gladwin Nursing Alumna Award for Excellence in Community Service, Volunteer of the Year (Akron Bar Association), Distinguished Gerontologist Award (UofA), and Outstanding Zip (UofA).
Barb was renowned for her immaculate hair and style, radiant smile, and infectious laugh. Barb’s favorite things in life were time spent with family and friends, aiding others through law and nursing, and community service. She was a loving mother, and her children were the center of her life. Her selfless giving of time, her nurturing ways, and her knowledge were gifts to all those she touched. She will be forever in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Harriet Puzenski, and brother, Paul Preston. Barbara is survived by her best friend and devoted daughter, Deborah Venesy (Daniel Clark); loving sons, Bryan (Terri), Scott (Vanessa), and David (Lora). She was the cherished grandmother of Michael, Lauren, Matthew, Katie, Margot, and Adrienne. She will be greatly missed by the family, but she will always be remembered as a loving, caring, and remarkable woman.

Calling hours will be Friday, January 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Funeral service on Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Hudson (47 Aurora St., Hudson), with a reception immediately following the service to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Barb's behalf to Vantage Aging (an organization supporting Akron-area seniors, to which Barb was a dedicated board leader) 388 S Main Street, Suite 325, Akron, OH 44311, Attn: Amina Hall or online at https://vantageaging.org/get-involved/donate-now-vantage/ .

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.