Barbara J. Sobczak

Barbara J. Sobczak
10/05/1933 – 04/04/2025
Barbara J. Sobczak, 91, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at the home of her daughter in Sylvania Township, where she had been living. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, on October 5, 1933, to Felix and Stella (Zasada) Rakosik. She graduated from Whitney High School in 1952 and was able to begin using her secretarial skills in an office setting. Barbara married Arthur M. Sobczak on October 23, 1954, and they shared 68 years together, building their life and legacy until he passed away on October 31, 2022. Art and Barbara lived in Perrysburg, Ohio for many years and were active members of the community and their church.
Barbara was an involved mother, always available to help at her children's schools and activities, frequently providing transportation for field trips and to sports competitions. She helped in the lunchroom at St. Rose Elementary School in Perrysburg and was always available to help their teachers both at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School in Toledo and St. Rose in Perrysburg. When her grandchildren came along, she enjoyed being a part of their lives and helping with their needs when she could. She made sure that if she was asked to do something with them or for them, even though they did not live locally, she was able to travel to be with them. She was a breast cancer survivor for over 27 years and was very thankful that God allowed her to live to be able to see her grandchildren grow up.
Barbara's Christian faith was important to her, and she was involved in numerous activities at both St. Vincent de Paul Church in Toledo and St. Rose Church in Perrysburg. She frequently volunteered for baking opportunities, funeral luncheons, counting financial donations, and made many friends from being involved in the women's groups at the churches.
Barbara enjoyed bowling and participated in several bowling leagues over the years and became quite good even though she never had any formal training. Always willing to try something new, she learned how to sing when she joined the Center Spotlight Chorus, a women's chorus that performed at small events in the Toledo area and provided Singing Valentine services.
Barbara will be greatly missed by her children, Marilyn (Glenn) Graybill, Theresa (Matthew) O'Donnell, and Michael (Kathryn) Sobczak; grandchildren, Sean (Elizabeth) O'Donnell, Holly Sobczak, Timothy O'Donnell, and Justin (Madison) Sobczak, step-grandchildren, Kris (Ed) Edgerton, and Warren (Debbie) Graybill, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, her parents and her brother, Donald Rakosik.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 215 E. Front Street, Perrysburg, Ohio. Visitation with the family will be at the church at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in St. Rose Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, Perrysburg, 419-792-3786. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Susan G. Komen, Northwest Ohio. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.walkerfuneralhome.com.