Barbara Cora Zawadzinsky

HOPEWELL JUNCTION - Barbara Cora Zawadzinski (Mingo), 91, an area resident since 1953, died peacefully on November 5, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
Born on November 20, 1933, in Mount Vernon, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ada (Miller) Mingo. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Plattsburgh State Teachers' College, then a master's degree in education from Columbia University, and a Master's in Reading the University of New Hampshire. She retired as a teacher and reading specialist from Gayhead Elementary School in Hopewell Junction.
Barbara was deeply involved with her local community. She was an active member of the Hopewell Reformed Church and served as a trustee of the East Fishkill Library Committee, where she also volunteered during her retirement. A proud Republican, Barbara was the past treasurer of the East Fishkill Republican Club and an active member of the East Fishkill Republican Committee. In recognition of her many years of service, she was honored as the first recipient of the Annual Barbara Z. Community Service Award, established in her name. Barbara was also an active supporter of the Wiccopee Fire Company. She will be remembered for her generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her community.
Barbara enjoyed reading and always kept a stack of books on her coffee table. She loved knitting children's clothing, blankets, and sweaters, as well as baking gourmet cookies that were eagerly awaited by her nieces and nephews. Barbara also liked to take a swim in her beloved pool and cherished spending time at home, surrounded by trees and flowers. An animal lover at heart, she adored her dogs and cats, chickens, the many birds at her feeders, her visiting turkeys, and the cows nearby.
On April 27, 1969, she married the love of her life, Bernhard M. Zawadzinski, who predeceased her in 2015 after 46 years of marriage. Together, they shared a lifetime of love and adventure, traveling often-especially to Germany to visit his family-and exploring many places across the country.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews, who she loved staying close to and being a huge part of their lives: Jim Mockler, Joan and John Seakwood, Carol and Bill Maxon, Douglas and Nancy Mockler, and Claire Miraglia. She had an immense love of her Godchild, Kelsey Bennett, whose mere presence made her happy. Other survivors include her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Ilona Stephani, Sabine Jablonsky, and Thomas Merten; as well as many loving friends, especially Debbie Scannel and the Jackson Family, whom she and Bernie spent their holidays with. In addition to her husband and parents, Barbara was also predeceased by her sister, who she was very close to, Ruth Mockler (Mingo), and her husband, Martin Mockler.
Visitation will be held at the Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction on Thursday, November 13th from 10am-12pm with a funeral service at 12pm. Burial will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. Everyone is invited to the Wiccopee Fire House for a reception immediately following the burial.
Donations may be made in memory of Barbara to the Wiccopee Fire House or East Fishkill Community Library. Please visit Barbara's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.