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Barbara Jean (D'Aurora) Van Beveren died peacefully and in the prayerful company of her family on June 29th after an extended illness. She was 75.
Born in Steubenville, OH on June 18, 1951 to Dominick and Helen (Macre) D'Aurora, Barbara grew up in Follansbee, WV where she lived, loved, and cared for her family and community for most of her life. A 1969 graduate of Madonna High School, Barbara was passionate about education. Earning an undergraduate degree from West Virginia University in 1973 before claiming master's degrees from both Duquesne University (Education/Special Education, 1980) and Fordham University (Religious Education/ Youth Ministry, 1981), she faithfully served as a teacher for 50 years in New Jersey, West Virginia, and Ohio. Her monumental run in the classroom across two centuries and six decades deserves additional recognition, including work with children from Kindergarten age through college (Bethany College & Franciscan University) in both private (St. John Bosco, NJ; St. John the Evangelist, Wellsburg, WV) and public settings (Brooke & Hancock County, WV).
Barbara also served as the Director of Religious Education for the City of Steubenville Catholic parishes for 25 years. It is in this role that she might tell you she did her best and most important educational work: teaching people about Jesus. A faithful Catholic - who nearly became a nun - she devoted countless hours to the Church and her Church community, convening nightly recitations of the Rosary and using even her illness over the last few years as an opportunity to bring people to prayer and closer to God.
She was an exceptional mother, wife, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved her family so much. She loved her country too, as well as her Italian-American roots and traditions. She was an excellent cook. Her laugh was distinctive. Her hugs were the best.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 32 years, David Martin Van Beveren. She is survived by her beloved son, Jason Van Beveren of Follansbee; her daughter, Heather Greene of Steubenville; granddaughters Emalie Van Beveren and Miya Lee Greene of Steubenville; sisters Cindy Smarrella of Ashburn, VA and Judy (Tom) Ricci of Las Vegas, NV; a brother, Dominick (Theresa) D'Aurora of Steubenville; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A visitation with family and friends to honor Barbara's life will be held at Mosti Funeral Home (4435 Sunset Blvd, Steubenville, OH 43952) from 3 - 6 p.m. on Monday, July 6. A funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, July 7 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church (2565 Alexander Ave E, Steubenville, OH 43952).
Barbara's family would additionally like to thank the doctors and staff of UPMC Oncology, the staff of Holy Family Catholic Church, and Ohio Valley Hospice, as well as the many friends and relatives who offered her so much comfort, care, and love over the final months of her life.
You may leave condolences at www. MostiFuneralHome. com.