Mrs. Barbara Olejarz passed away at her home in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., after a fifteen-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born on December 23, 1957, in Roanoke, Virginia, the middle daughter of Faye Conner Wade and the late Harold Conner. She was a wonderful wife and mother, a devoted daughter and sister, and a loyal friend.

Barbara grew up in southwest Virginia and graduated from James Madison University. She and her husband, Mike, met in church at New Life Assembly of God in Athens, Ohio, when they were in graduate school at Ohio University in the fall of 1981. They married on August 28, 1982, the first couple to be wed at the church’s new building. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Sarah and Joshua. At the time of her passing, Barbara and Mike had shared 42.5 years of marriage.

Barbara cherished close bonds with her two sisters, Donna and Bonnie. She also cultivated deep and lasting friendships with women in Athens and Columbus, Ohio; Boston, Massachusetts; and Charlottesville, Virginia. She especially loved her nephews and nieces, and was a treasured playmate of many neighborhood children.

An avid reader and a formidable Scrabble player, Barbara had a sharp mind and a love for learning. She was also active in sports as a runner and a pickleball player. Music was another of Barbara’s hobbies, and she enjoyed playing the piano and singing. Over the years Barbara traveled to various places in the world for missions trips, work assignments, and to visit family, including El Salvador, Peru, Russia, Japan, and Ethiopia.

She had a fulfilling career as an accountant. Barbara began as an accounting professor in Ohio University’s College of Business in the 1980s, before transitioning into work as a CPA across various industries. In her most recent role, she spent years training accountants around the world through a global nonprofit. She remained dedicated to her profession until retiring in 2020 due to Parkinson’s disease. Throughout her career, she used her talents to serve others and honor the Lord.

For over four decades, Barbara played an integral role in missions alongside Mike as he served with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. Together they shared the gospel of Christ with many and mentored others in their journeys to become apprentices of Jesus. Their home was always open to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, a place of warmth and hospitality where all were welcome.

Barbara’s legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Memorial Service

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara’s life will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at City Church, 1010 Rio Rd E, Charlottesville, Virginia. Anyone whose life was touched by Barbara is welcome to attend. A time of fellowship will take place at the church after the service for those who would like to visit with the family.

Words of Gratitude

Barbara’s family is grateful to Cammie Sykes, owner of Time for You LLC of Charlottesville, Virginia, for connecting them with Brandy Allen, who served as Barbara’s home health care helper. Brandy provided care and companionship for nine weeks in Barbara’s last stage of life and served her family well. In addition, Cammie herself, Tanya Jordan, Monica Holloway, and Renee Zimmerman assisted in the final days of caring for Barbara.

The family would also like to thank Legacy Hospice of Charlottesville, Virginia, for their care of Barbara. Nurse Devon Holden was a delight to work with in the four weeks Barbara was in her care. Nurses Joy Utz and Audrey McCrackin assisted Devon in caring for Barbara.

Additionally, the family would like to thank Kim Eckenroth of Gentle Shepherd Hospice of Roanoke, Virginia, for her counsel, wisdom, and support of Barbara and Mike.

Mike wishes to thank Dr. Richard Brantley (family doctor), Dr. Renzo Figari (neurologist), Dr. Karen Finke (GI doctor), Jane Moore (GI RN), and Dr. Amir Jabr (psychiatrist) for their care of Barbara. He also thanks Janet Doroh, Barbara’s physical therapist, and Dr. Mark Evans, Barbara’s speech therapist, for their assistance in caring for Barbara through the progression of her Parkinson’s.

Mike also wishes to thank many friends who were (or are still) participants in his and Barbara’s weekly Life Group as a part of City Church. In particular over the last year, Thursday night Life Group friends included Ginny Atwell, Rick Litchfield, Bev Davis, Henry and Suzie Orejuela, Doug and Darby Cate, Linda Medlock, and Jeff and Linda Dumansky.

Mike is deeply grateful to the ladies who helped serve and care for Barbara during the last five years as Parkinson’s worsened her life. These women were readily available to come visit with Barbara so Mike could have breaks to go to the gym, buy groceries, take a nap, and get a respite as Barbara’s caregiver. These friends and neighbors include JoAnn Murray, Ginny Atwell, Chris Hurley, Jennifer Sharf, Darby Cate, Linda Dumansky, Joanne Boyle, Sally Pickell, Mary Ann Coffey, Vickie Gullet, Trish Moya, and Fran Hartwig.

Mike is also thankful for the pastoral team and fellow parishioners at City Church who walked with him and Barbara in this journey of suffering and glory.

Lastly, Mike is especially grateful to his children, Sarah and Joshua, and to Donna Nimmo and Bonnie Davis (Barbara’s sisters), for their support in caring for Barbara through such a difficult season.

Memories & Contributions

Friends and family are invited to contribute thoughts, stories, pictures, and/or videos to the “Memories” section of this website in recognition of Barbara’s life and impact.

Cards can be sent to Mike Olejarz at 929 Raymond Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902.

To honor Barbara’s memory, contributions can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or The Center of Charlottesville (https://thecentercville.org)

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