Barbara Donati Matula

Raleigh - Barbara Donati Matula died on Monday, June 1, 2009, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and the memories of a wonderful life. Barbara was born in Hazleton, PA, on February 26, 1942, the daughter of a coal miner. She was the second born daughter of the late Anna and Emmanuel Donati. Barbara shared a special bond with her sister Joann Donati Carbe, who with her husband Victor, resides in Hazleton. Barbara, her husband Bob, son John, and daughter Danielle, spent the early years of their family life in New Jersey and New York. Seeking a warmer climate, the Matula family moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1974. Barbara cherished her family. She was a loving mother to John and Danielle and cultivated a caring and supportive relationship with each. In 1992 and 1993, she welcomed daughter-in-law Theresa, and son-in-law Tad Dinkelkamp to her family. One of the great pleasures in Barbara's life was her grandchildren: Alexander Dinkelkamp, Megan Matula, Anna Dinkelkamp, and Anthony Matula. Barbara was a loving grandmother that enjoyed celebrating the unique personalities and special interests of each grandchild. Every time she saw them she greeted each one with a gleam in her eye, a wide smile, and a warm hug. Barbara received a BA from Rider College in Trenton, NJ, and a Master of Public Administration from SUNY at Albany, NY. In her early career, Barbara was a caseworker and probation officer for the New Jersey Department of Children's Services, and a legislative and program analyst for the State of New York. She joined the North Carolina Budget Office in 1974 and became the Director of the Division of Medical Assistance in 1979. Barbara's tenure as North Carolina's Medicaid Director spanned 17 years and several administrations. She was a highly regarded figure in health care policy at the State and national level and was frequently called upon to testify before Congress and to work with Congressional members regarding health reform initiatives. She served in many leadership capacities including: chair of the National Association of State Medicaid Directors, chair of the executive committee of the National Academy of State Health Policy, advisory board member for the National Initiative for Children's Healthcare Quality, a member of the State Health Coordinating Council, a member of the NC Institute of Medicine, and a member of the National Study Group on State Medicaid Strategies, among others. Her contributions were recognized through numerous awards and acknowledgements including: National Governor's Association award for Distinguished Service to State Government, National Academy for State Health Policy Award, John Huske Anderson Award, Tarheel of the Week, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and the National Public Service Award. Barbara was a dedicated public servant whose motivation came from her sincere desire to help those less fortunate. Another passion in Barbara's life was travel. She visited 48 states, countless countries, and numerous continents during her travels. Bob was often by Barbara's side whether they were dining on exotic cuisine, riding camels, or zip-lining through a rain forest. Some of her fondest travel memories are from her visits with friends in St. Petersburg, Russia. Barbara's zest for life and her presence will be sincerely missed, but her spirit lives on through the lives she touched. Barbara and her family wish to thank the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Cancer Center of NC for their care and support, and the staff of Hospice of Wake County for their compassion and guidance. A private family service will be held at Rolesville Baptist Church. An invitation is extended to Barbara's dear friends and colleagues for a celebration of life service which will be held on June 19th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements by L. Harold Poole Funeral Service & Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545.