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Barbara Blaine

1956 - 2017

Barbara Blaine obituary, 1956-2017, Toledo, OH

Barbara Blaine Obituary

(News story) Barbara Blaine, whose personal path to self healing in the wake of clergy sexual abuse led her to widespread advocacy through the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, died while on vacation in Utah on Sunday. She was 61.

Ms. Blaine died following an unexpected and rare cardiac event known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection, according to a statement provided by her family. She was in good health and enjoyed a hike the day before the sudden episode.

Ms. Blaine founded SNAP in 1988 after coming to terms with her own molestation at the hands of a later defrocked priest, Chet Warren, while she was a young parishioner at St. Pius X Catholic Church and student at Notre Dame Academy. She recalled to The Blade in 2002 that she was working at a Catholic social justice agency in Chicago when she experienced a sudden physiological reaction to articles regarding clergy sexual abuse, which began to recall her own traumatic experiences between eighth and 12th grades.

She organized an initial meeting of victims at a Chicago hotel in 1988, and, encouraged by its success, developed the idea into a national network focused on advocacy and healing. Today SNAP counts more than 20,000 members and support groups in over 60 cities, including Toledo, which was established as the first local chapter in the state in early 2002.

Ms. Blaine did not set out to find a national spotlight, said Claudia Vercellotti, a longtime friend who co-founded the Toledo chapter of SNAP. She initially sought to "heal quietly and privately" by working within the outlets provided by the Catholic Church, Ms. Vercellotti said, but she quickly grew frustrated by a diocesan response that denied her allegations.

"After seven years of being strung along, I realized they were not going to help me," Ms. Blaine told The Blade in 2002, "so I had to help myself. I thought I'd start a group to help people like me."

Ms. Vercellotti praised Ms. Blaine's work as groundbreaking for victims of sexual abuse, attributing to her a legacy that extends within and beyond the Catholic Church.

"There's been a climate shift in this country on how we discuss sexual crime victims and sexual abuse and sexual exploitation," she said. "All of that can be traced, in one way shape or form, to Toledo, Ohio's own Barbara Blaine."

Barbara Dorris, managing director of SNAP, similarly praised Ms. Blaine in a statement.

"Few people have done more to protect kids and help victims than Barbara Blaine," she said "Her relentless advocacy enabled millions to eventually accept a long unbelievable reality: That tens of thousands of priests raped and fondled hundreds of thousands of kids while bishops hid these heinous crimes."

Ms. Blaine settled her own case with the local diocese out of court in 1994 and continued to lead SNAP as president until February, 2017. Her family said in a statement that her resignation came as part of a planned transition to The Accountability Project, which she recently founded to pressure Vatican officials to stop clergy sex crimes internationally.

Ms. Blaine was born in Toledo on July 6, 1956. She received a bachelor's degree through St. Louis University, a master's degree through Washington University in St. Louis, a master's degree in divinity through Catholic Theological Union and a law degree through DePaul University.

Prior to founding SNAP, Ms. Blaine helped establish and run a homeless shelter on the south side of Chicago. She also represented abused and neglected children in juvenile court. She is survived by a husband, Howard; two stepsons, Brett and Joshua; two grandsons, Luke and Wesley, and seven siblings.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

This is a news story by Blade staff writer Nicki Gorny. Contact her at [email protected] or 419-724-6133.
Published by The Blade on Sep. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Blaine

Not sure what to say?





93 Entries

Carson Loveless

August 27, 2024

Condolences to her family

my inner child is forever grateful for hearing your voice

Bridget McGill

December 9, 2017

December 9, 2017

So saddened by this loss! I still hear her voice counseling me when I called SNAP. She aided my healing and inspired my soul.

my inner child loves you so much

December 9, 2017

So saddened by this loss! I still hear her voice counseling me when I called SNAP. She aided my healing and inspired my soul.
Is there a place we can donate in her memory?

Bridget McGill

December 9, 2017

So saddened by this loss! I still hear her voice counseling me when I called SNAP. She aided my healing and inspired my soul.

MA

December 7, 2017

I send my condolences to the Blaine Family. To loose a beloved is most difficult. May Barbara's precious memories warm your hearts. May God give you peace to comfort your dear souls.

Tamar Dotson

November 3, 2017

I offer my condolences to the wonderful Blaine Family!!..so sorry this happened to this family. Hugs to the family

Sandra Stilling Seehausen

October 29, 2017

Where can we send memorials for Barbara? Service yesterday was marvelous and very moving. What a woman!

October 26, 2017

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and make perpetual light to shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace, amen.

Daniel /Bobbi DeShetler

October 23, 2017

My wife and I wish to offer our condolences for this loss in your family

Kelly Grover

October 23, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

October 23, 2017

To Joanne and all the wonderful Blaine family from the Rowland Family. We are so sorry about the loss of Barbara. She was a real hero and will always be remembered for her strength of character. What a life well lived but what a stunning loss for all of you as her family.
I will be out of town during the day of her Toledo memorial but will be making a donation in her honor to the group you listed.
My mom passed away in early March after a long battle with dementia so all the Blaine and Rowland parents are now gone.
There is no consolation in losing someone as young and impressive as Barbara. Knowing her work was so important and will live on may be of some comfort I pray. Joanne, I sent a card to the last address I had for you but it came back so I am still at my same address if you want to update me. Prayers and blessings to all of you Susan Rowland Croci

Carol Stiles

October 22, 2017

My dear cousin Barbara, I believe God has called you home early, as a reward for all you have accomplished in your short life here on earth. May you rest in eternal peace, and may those who loved you find comfort in knowing that you have eased the way for so many of us left behind. And I have faith that we'll meet again one day.....
Sincerely,
Carol Easley Stiles

Nancy Grabowski

October 22, 2017

Barbara your legacy will live forever. You dedicated your life to protecting innocent children and succeeded in helping so many through your never ending dedication. You helped me realize that small actions make a difference while your huge actions made an impact that will last forever. Thank you for being a part of my life for 50 years I will miss you.

Tim Quilter

October 19, 2017

What a brave woman, and pioneer for those who were victimized when they were so young, and helpless. May she have her eternal reward! She is now with her Creator, and Savior.

Nancy R

October 18, 2017

I am so sad. I will miss you. You will forever be in my heart.
Thank you listening, caring, helping me and all the work you have done for everyone. You helped us find our voice. You helped me so much.
You are my hero!

Christine Pauken

October 17, 2017

Rest in peace Barb

You worked so hard
and children are safer
You made us all stronger
more aware
more empathetic

and thus the world is a better place

Jeff and Nancy Fox

October 14, 2017

Let the light shine on you for all the work you've done over the years. You'll be deeply missed.

Vickie Neims

October 14, 2017

Barbara's spirit is in many of our hearts
Howard my prayers are with you

T. VICE

October 12, 2017

Barb, YOU will be missed terribly!!! May OUR God Hold EACH & Everyone of YOU in His hands as YOU wrestle with her loss... From a Broadway Neighbor 43609

Andrea Ogden

October 12, 2017

My deepest condolences to your family. We would look for each other at NDA Reunions in Chicago and laughed(we worked in the same building for awhile). Barb, I will miss you and hopefully see you in the next lifetime. My God always bless you.

Mark Wetherbee

October 12, 2017

To Barbara and her family and friends...I can only say Thank You to Barbara for always taking my calls, listening to me about what happened, and bringing justice to the theft of my formative years. Barbara was a major contributor to the people and all communities.

lorell Mc

October 11, 2017

My condolences to the family. I am sure she will be missed by the many lives she touched. May the family find comfort in the many cherished memories of Barbara.

Laure Sandman

October 10, 2017

I'm so sorry Howie. I really can't believe this. She was a wonderful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Kathy Clunk

October 7, 2017

Very sorry about your loss. Barb changed the world and that was her mission and purpose in life. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you all during this time.

Elliot Pasik

October 3, 2017

Barbara Blaine deserved a Nobel Peace Prize. She was the mother of the civil rights movement to protect children from clergy sex abuse. I met Barbara about seven, eight years ago, in Albany, the NY state capitol, when Catholics, Jews, people, were advocating for relaxing New York's strict time bars for criminal and civil sex abuse cases. On behalf of my own group, Jewish Board of Advocates for Children, I handed Barbara our 50 page, "Position Paper to the New York State Legislature Advocating Child Protection Laws for Nonpublic Schools". We had three articles in the booklet from me, Rabbi Mark Dratch, and Dr. Nachum Klafter. We were the first Jewish group to take a stand. When Barbara read the title on the cover page, as we were sitting in the gallery of the NYS Legislature, she smiled slightly, her eyes glistened, and she leaned in to hug me. I leaned in and hugged back. What an honor for me and my friends. Barbara was refined, poised, intelligent, and dignified. May God comfort her family and all mourners.

Andre

October 3, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of the death of your loved one and my deepest condolences are extended to you. Something that's helped me through the death of loved ones is to reflect on 1 Corinthians 15:26.

Anne-Marie Ainsworth

October 3, 2017

Dear Marion, Nancy, Howard and family,

I am deeply saddened by Barbara's death. She brought me a great deal of comfort over the years and i am incredibly proud of all she accomplished. My heart goes out to each of you as you begin to reconcile with such a loss. Her last text message to me on August 30th was an offer of help during Hurricane Harvey. She truly had a heart of gold while on this earth and no doubt she is safely home in heaven. Barb will always have a place in my heart and I will keep you in my prayers through this difficult time.

Love,
Anne-Marie (Nachtrab) Ainsworth

Susan Bannister

October 1, 2017

I am deeply saddened to hear this....prayers for Barbaras soul, her family and friends,,,,she was a great lady in representing and helping abuse of children.

P

October 1, 2017

God is with the broken-hearted those who voices are not represented or heard
Barbara work will not be forgotten
May our God who cares who views us as precious give family and friends the strength needed during this stressful time
My prayers are with you

Cyndi Small

September 30, 2017

Nancy,I am so so sorry. You have my prayers and sympathy.
Cyndi

Kate Bochte

September 29, 2017

I'll miss you, Barbara. Thank you for all you've done for so many survivors and future generations of children, advocating for better laws, and raising public awareness on such a tough issue. Thanks for your support back in 2004. It meant so much.

Deep condolences to Howard, the Blaine and Rubin families, and all who are hurting right now. I wish you comfort and peace.

Ellen Guggenheim

September 29, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Howard, Barbara's family and friends. Having spent time with Barbara recently, she passionately discussed elevating her advocacy for justice on a global scale and spending quality time with her loving husband, family and friends. Barbara's profound impact, strength, compassion and beauty will live on. I miss you my dear friend.

Kathy Clunk

September 29, 2017

Prayers and loving thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Barb once told me on our TEC many years ago that she wanted to change the world...and she did. May Barb now rest in peace and rejoice in heaven.

Germaine

September 28, 2017

May the God of all comfort provides consolation to the family and friends of Barbara Blaine. @Isaiah 32:18 we are told that people will live in peace and harmony under God ' s Kingdom .

September 28, 2017

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.

September 28, 2017

To the family of Barbara sorry for your loss , may you draw comfort from God word at Hosea 13:14?

September 28, 2017

I wish to extend my condolences to Howard and Barbara's family on her passing. It must be a terrible shock. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ray Grzebielski

Phil Runkel

September 28, 2017

I've known and admired Barbara for a long time,and remain very grateful for her friendship and support of the Catholic Worker Archives here at Marquette. Nina Polcyn Moore wrote me once that "Barbara is absolutely magnificent, so wise, balanced and sensitive to the church she loves." I concur. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Jim and Marge O'Neil

September 28, 2017

RIP Good and gentle woman for your tireless fight for justice of the young and voiceless!

Mick Vendel

September 27, 2017

So sorry to hear this sad news, Barbara will be missed by many.

margaret collins

September 27, 2017

"May Songs of the Angels Welcome You!
And guide you along your way!
May the smiles of the martyrs greet your own
As darkness turns into day!
Every fear will be undone and death will be no more
As songs of the angels lead you home
Before the face of God."

September 27, 2017

Please except my heartfelt condolence. My the scriptures at 1Con.15:26,55.be comfort to you and your family.



CM.Fay.NC.

Ann

September 27, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kate S

September 27, 2017

I think it's impossible to overstate Barbara's positive impact on the world. In my opinion she's one of the great women of our time. As a clergy-abuse survivor, I feel the loss of her deeply. She traveled to my region many times to help heal and energize us survivors. Personally I can say that she and the organization she founded saved my life and sanity. My warmest condolences to Barbara's family--and to all of us survivors and supporters who were touched by her intelligence and passion, her worldwide family.

September 27, 2017

May the God of all comfort bless the family and friends of Barbara Blaine.

Anonymous

September 27, 2017

I did not know Barbara personally, yet feel a deep loss. Her work saved lives.
God Bless the Blaine Family in their sorrow.

Maryland

September 27, 2017

Thank you for your dedication and courage. Rip, Barbara.

Mark Narges

September 27, 2017

Barb, God has a special place for people like you, for all the hard work you did here in Toledo Ohio. As God has said {I will not FORGET YOU} Truly He will not forget you, your reward is waiting for you in HEAVEN.Thanks again for all you did.

Harvey Paul

September 27, 2017

A lion for survivors. Showed no fear. RIP

My condolences John 6:44

DH Toledo Ohio

September 27, 2017

Kathleen Moore

September 26, 2017

Couragio, as Nina would say! The angels are rejoicing as they welcome our dear friend and saintly woman, Barbara.

My heart and thoughts are with Howard and all her family.

She touched so many lives all over the world. Her strong message and heroic actions will live on. She is no doubt chatting up her folks her good friend Nina P Moore and Dorothy Day.....so many others....

Carlotta

September 26, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Blaine family and friends at this difficult time.

Doug Dobmeyer

September 26, 2017

Barbara was a true friend and tireless advocate for the abused and poor of our nation. Her circumstances of adult life was shaped by the abuse as a child. She learned from that and continued to learn every day!

I met her in Uptown and where I was Executive Director she worked at the REST homeless shelter. She was tough and sometimes difficult to deal with, but always had the client first.

I will miss her and RIP.

Doug Dobmeyer

Kevin and vicky Wagner

September 26, 2017

God bless for all the people you have helped

David Manjarres

September 26, 2017

All who knew Barbara know what a truly great person she was. We are all diminished a little by her passing. Rest in peace my friend. You are already missed.

David Manjarres
DePaul '97

Anita Nowak/Fannin

September 26, 2017

I knew Barbara when she was a teenager. I swam with her and her siblings. She taught me how to swim with my eyes open underwater! I'll never forget their family. We had some great summers at the Toledo Swim Club. I always meant to reconnect. My condolences to the family. Barabara was an awesome person!

September 26, 2017

May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.Those who pass on,God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes.My sincerest condolences to the family.

September 26, 2017

My heartfelt sympathy to the family on the passing of your love one please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Cy

September 26, 2017

My condolences to the Blaine Family and Friends, May the God of comfort be your comfort at this time of distress in your lives. Barbara's work opened many eyes.

September 26, 2017

Our prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of Barbara Blaine. Her example of courage and righting the wrongs and fighting for justice help bring a sense of peace to so many. Barbara was a true leader for what was right and fair. She will be truly missed. Cherish her many memories that you shared with you. May God Almighty give you courage, strength but most of all peace in the difficult days ahead. 1 Corinthians I: 3, 4

VH-IL

Kelly G

September 26, 2017

Thoughts and Prayers to your family. This is a tragic loss. Relish the memories and all she stood for

Russ Pratt

September 26, 2017

I was so sorry to read about the passing of Barbara. SNAP was an invaluable resource for me personally and for so many others. My thoughts and condolences are with her family and all survivors.

Susan Bailey

September 26, 2017

it is a sad day to lose such a wonderful woman. She was a hero to many, and with our her the world would be not as safe as it is today. She truly made a difference in our world and many others.

G. Freeman

September 26, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mrs. K. Jackson

September 26, 2017

Ms Blaine worked tirelessly for justice despite her personal health. May the finite hope the Bible has for humankind be felt by the family

William Crosby

September 26, 2017

It was an honor to know and work with Barbara Blaine in Toledo and Cleveland. She was a very fine person and I am deeply saddened by her premature passing. I wish her family and friends my sincerest condolences.

Sheila

September 26, 2017

Rest in Peace Barbara knowing you made a difference.

Debby Bodkin

September 26, 2017

Barbara was truly an amazing, loving and courageous woman who not only touched my life, but also the lives of many others. She taught the world by example... prayers and thoughts to Barbara's husband, family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Adrian Barnette

September 25, 2017

We'll miss you !

Glenn Favreau

September 25, 2017

The legacy we leave is in the honesty we have lived and what we have done for others. Barbara helped to teach us that living for others is not an ego trip but is authentic charity. Thank you, Barbara, for your unfailing goodness towards me and so many others.

September 25, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

AJ Maxwell

September 25, 2017

Rest in peace, Barbara. You have bettered many lives. Thank you.

Carlotta

September 25, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Blaine family and friends at this difficult time.

S R

September 25, 2017

I am sorry for your loss but there will be a time when we will be resurrected.

September 25, 2017

I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11.

Yvonne Lowery

September 25, 2017

Sorry for the loss of your loved one Barbara will will be missed by many in the help in the SNAP Program. She spoke out for many. May the God of peace comfort you and your family at this time of need.

Janis Uccellini Pascarella

September 25, 2017

Prayers and comforting thoughts to Barbara's family and friends. May society never forget what Barbara has done to protect and honor those who have been abused and continue her work reaching out to everyone in all communities.

September 25, 2017

Condolences to the Blaine family for your loss. May God comfort all those with broken spirits during this time of grief.

September 25, 2017

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Ms Barbara. May God grant solace to the families and acquaintances during this most challenging time. Barbara was truly an amazing and compassionate lady of integrity. Be assured that God offers genuine hope for the future, the meek will possess the earth and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. We will all miss Barbara very much. With Love & Prayers

C B

September 25, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May God heal your broken heart and console your pain. Psalms 54:2,4

Scott Chamberland

September 25, 2017

Please accept my Deepest Sympathies

Wanda

September 25, 2017

To the famuly of Barbara Blaine, I am so sorry for your loss. I truly appreciate her exposure of the Catholic priests. May the God of all comfort be a consolation to you at this time.

September 25, 2017

I am praying for her family. I am glad she spoke up against abuse of children. One day children will not have to worry about being harm. "Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were And they will not be there." pwsalms 37:10 I sam sorry that Ms Barbara has passed.

Sally Small

September 25, 2017

It is so sad that an organization like this even has to exist. The world should not be in this kind of scandal. May God take over and solve our problems because we can truly see that man or woman cannot, no matter how hard we may try or want to. Thank you Barbara for wanting to. God love you.

September 25, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

September 25, 2017

"I'm very sorry for this great loss. She was truly a courageous woman, May all who's life she touched take comfort in this encouraging verse. Isaiah 65:17"

September 25, 2017

Condolences to family and friends.

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Memorial Events
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Memorial service

1:30 p.m.

DePaul University Lincoln Park Student Center, Room 120AB

2250 N. Sheffield Ave, Chicago, OH 43660

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Highland Meadows Golf Club

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