Barbara E. Dess

Barbara Ellen Dess was born on February 5, 1947 in New Castle, PA. She was born to Finnish parents, Paul M., and Ellen M. (Luuke) Karki. Barb was incredibly proud of her Finnish heritage and was raised in the Lutheran faith at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in New Castle.
Barb graduated from Shenango High School and New Castle Business College. Professionally, she worked as a medical secretary for Jameson Memorial Hospital and later, Liberty Mutual, until her retirement.
On August 29, 1970, Barb married David J. Dess, also of New Castle. During their marriage of nearly 29 years, their family embarked on many adventures of nearly unbelievable tales alongside their families, and friends who were like family. Barb lost the love of her life when he passed unexpectedly at the age of 50 on June 10, 1999, for whom she never stopped loving.
While she is preceded in death by parents and husband, she is survived and greatly loved by her daughters, Melodi (Eric) Herb of New Castle, and Megan (Mike Dickey) of Ellwood City; son, Matthew (Heather) Dess of Suffolk, VA; brother, Paul Karki, of Pittsburgh; sister, Rebecca (David) Polansky of New Castle; sister-in-love, Pattie Karki, of Wexford; and five grandchildren-Zachary and Emma Herb, and Leah, Mallory, and Grady Dess.
During her marriage to Dave, who was an avid hunter, Barb excelled at creating delicious game recipes. Together they grew lush gardens of produce and created many canned goods which to this day are coveted recipes of family and friends. She passed down her incredible green thumb to her children-instilling the habit of hard-work and perseverance. In her later days, she exchanged the tedious garden work for pots, baskets, and trellises of radiant blooms only rivaled by magazine covers.
Watching her children bloom into loving and able-bodied adults brought Barb immense joy and pride. Her love of the outdoors was also passed down to her children along with her green thumb. She had the absolute pleasure of living within walking distance of two of her grandchildren, Zach and Emma. Deeply loving their "Mummu", her grandkids could always count on freshly baked Finnish goods, and friends and family could always count on a fresh pot of coffee-no matter the time of day! Until she was physically unable, she attended too many sporting events to count for her grandkids over the years.
Unfortunately, she did not have the pleasure of being able to spend as much time with her three other grandchildren-Leah, Mallory, and Grady. While this was not ideal, she could not have been prouder of the reason for their distance. Her only son, Matt, served in the US Navy for 26 years until his recent retirement, which she was proudly able to attend. Over the years of his service, she diligently wrapped her trees in yellow ribbon awaiting his safe return from deployments, and proudly displayed her "Navy Mom" paraphernalia!
Caring for her well in her later years were her daughters, Mel and Megan. While trying to absorb the secrets of preparing Finnish recipes such as krupsua and nissua, they also became expert gardeners and canners under Barb's tutelage. They spent many hours harvesting, preparing, and canning their fresh hauls!
Barb was incredibly close with her younger sister, Bec, and this bond only intensified over the years-despite their 5 ½ year age gap. The sisters talked daily, saw each other nearly as much, and attended a book club together for many years. These sisters were more than sisters-they were best friends. There will forever be a Barb-shaped hole in her little sister's heart.
Already deeply missed, Barb will forever be remembered as a simple, carefree mother, sister, friend, and Mummu who loved the Lord and her family. Until we meet again
Memorial contributions may be offered to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, by visiting www.nmcrs.org