Memorial for Barbara E. Wojak

Born in Bloomfield, New Jersey on Oct. 14, 1940
Departed on Apr. 20, 2013 and resided in Glen Ridge, NJ.
Visitation: Wednesday, Apr. 24, 2013
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
- 9:00 pm
Service: Thursday, Apr. 25, 2013
09:00 am
Funeral Mass: Thursday, Apr. 25, 2013
10:00 am

Barbara E. Wojak


Barbara E. Wojak (nee Rykowski) passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at home in Glen Ridge, NJ.

Barbara was born October 14, 1940 to Edna and Walter Rykowski in Bloomfield. She grew up in a loving family with her brother, Walter, and was surrounded by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Barbara met and married the love of her life, Joseph G. Wojak, in August of 1961. She took special joy in being a full-time mom to her children, Marc and Jacquelyn.

Barbara graduated from Montclair State University with a BS and MA, and also studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and at Seton Hall University. Barbara was an accomplished artist who painted in oils and acrylics and won numerous awards. An avid tennis player, she represented Bloomfield and Glen Ridge Country Club in team and traveling tennis. Barbara was possessed many talents and especially enjoyed gardening. needlepoint, dancing, creating floral arrangements, interior decorating, often being referred to as a Renaissance woman by her many friends. Barbara's beauty, both on the outside and inside, was evident to all.

Barbara was the youngest co-chair of a Republican County Committee when her husband, Joseph, was a Bloomfield Councilman. Barbara worked as a substitute teacher at South Junior and Bloomfield High School. She traveled extensively in Europe, the Caribbean and the US. Barbara enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Bay Head Shores, NJ and their winter home in Cape Canaveral, FL. Most of all, Barbara loved spending time with her 5 grandchildren, who loved their Mimi dearly. She took great joy in introducing them to art, teaching them life lessons and and watching them grow.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; her adoring children, son, Marc and his wife Debra, and daughter, Jacquelyn, and her five beloved grandchildren, Brandon and Brianna Wojak, and Matthew, A.J. and Allison Petruska. Barbara is also survived by her brother, Walter Rykowski and his wife Peggy, and her niece Megan Rykowski. She will be missed dearly.


This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Barbara E. Wojak. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.

This Memorial Obituary provided by O'Boyle Funeral Home