Barbara Gail Fadell

Barbara Gail Fadell passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025 at her home in Valparaiso, Indiana surrounded by family.
Barbara was born to Florence and Walter Kuznicki in Gary, IN on August 24, 1938. She grew up with a strong sense of family and faith, attending St. Mark's Catholic School, where she formed lifelong friendships. In her teenage years, she found her love of dance and music, which she enjoyed throughout her entire life. After high school, Barbara worked for IBM in Chicago, a role she was proud of, before focusing on her family.
On May 14, 1960, Barbara married Thomas R. Fadell. Together, they had four daughters with rhyming names - Alicia, Patricia, Lytitia and Felicia. They moved their young family to Valparaiso. Together with Tom, Barbara instilled in their girls the importance of education, the value of travel to learn about the world, and the need to take care of each other.
Barbara was a dedicated and loving mother who took pleasure in dressing her daughters in matching outfits when they were young. As they grew, she happily shuttled them to various school activities, encouraged their pursuits, and always made sure that birthdays and holidays were special celebrations.
She had a sense of style that extended beyond her own fashionable wardrobe. She decorated her home with an eye for design and also ensured that the home was one her children and their friends could enjoy.
Barbara enjoyed gardening, in particular, tending to her roses. Her love of flowers and plants created a beautiful backyard landscape year after year. She also took pride in preparing meals for her family, regularly making favorite dishes for each of her daughters. Her desserts were a favorite among friends and dinner guests. From homemade cakes and pies to baked apple slices and chocolate chip cookies, everyone wanted her recipes.
A devout Catholic, Barbara's faith was a central part of her life and she attended Mass regularly. She also took very good care of her mother, ensuring that Florence was always included and looked after with great care. She remained close to her friends from St. Mark's as well. Barbara also found joy and companionship in her Rottweiler, Blitz.
Barbara is survived by her four daughters: Alicia Fadell Luna (Tom), Patricia Ostiller (Steve), Dr. Lytitia Shea, and Felicia DiSilvestro (Bob); eight grandchildren: Albert Luna, Clara Wilder (Jeffrey), Michael Luna, Nicholas Ostiller (Aina Abad), Kimberly Ostiller, Elise Shea, Eric Shea, and Carla DiSilvestro; and three great-grandchildren: Joseph Wilder, Faustina Wilder, and Lucia Wilder. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tom, in 1990.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Mary Ellen Rowe, devoted neighbor and friend, and to Barbara's dedicated and longtime caregivers who provided compassion, comfort and exceptional care to Barbara. We greatly appreciate the love shown by her caregivers. We are also grateful to the Dunes Hospice staff who provided gentle, dignified care and comfort during her final days.
A funeral service will take place at the Graceland Cemetery Chapel,1505 East Morthland Drive, Valparaiso, IN, on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.
Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.
May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace.