Barbara Jeanne Purcell

MIDDLETON-Barbara Jeanne Purcell, age 82, passed away Dec. 2, 2014, surrounded by her family at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on May 7, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Clement and Marie Mitchka. Barb was raised in Wausau and graduated high school in 1950. She graduated from UW Madison with a degree in Human Resources in 1954. Following graduation, she was employed as an interior decorator at Manchester's. Barb married Pierce T. Purcell in July of 1955; together they raised four daughters. Barb was passionate about volunteering and helping her community. Some of her community service positions included: member of the Madison Junior Woman's club, chairman of the local Girl Scout Cookie program, President of the Dane County Legal Auxiliary, volunteer with the Middleton Outreach Ministry, and an active member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church where she was a Faith Community leader and a member of the Environment Committee. Barb enjoyed gardening, arts and crafts, quilting, hiking, skiing, entertaining, cooking and a good game of bridge. She was also an avid reader and crossword puzzler. Barb is survived by her daughters, Pam (Bob) Avenius, Katy (Doug) Mering, Anne (Greg) Ohmen and Lisa (Mark) Feinberg; grandchildren, Corinne(Rick Gunyon) and Elizabeth Avenius, Kimm, Andrew and Brynna Mering, Christopher and Danielle Ohmen, Nicole (Rich) Sachse, and Hanna, Jack and Kate Feinberg; and three great grandchildren, Alex, Jacob, and Madeline Sachse. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jack Mitchka; and nephew, David. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 2015 Parmenter St., Middleton, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the Middleton Outreach Ministry or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761