Barbara Jean Misavage passed away at home on February 17, 2007 following a long and courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer. She is survived by her husband of 36 years Gary Misavage, their youngest son Ben and his girlfriend Beth, and their oldest son Matthew, his wife Julie and three grandchildren Gabrielle, Madeline and Ayla. She is also survived by her beloved niece Missy and nephew Brian, her “sisters by choice” Lu McLeod and Gail Burkes, their husbands Marshall and Mike and their children and her beloved friends Geoge and Arlene Esgrob.

Barbara was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and is the daughter of Welty Shaffer and the late Iona Wilhide Shaffer. She is also survived by her sisters Jill Henry, Brenda McKenrick, Jan Springer, Bonnie Krohonen, Virginia Guyer, and their families.

Barbara and Gary were married for over 36 years. They shared a strong and abiding love for each other built on a foundation of trust, integrity, faith and humor. Following the birth of their two sons Barbara returned to school and received her RN from North Florida University after which she worked in the Pediatric Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital in Jacksonville.

Barbara took great pride and enjoyment in her family. She was dedicated wife and mother not only to Matt and Ben but to Matt’s wife Julie whom she loved as a daughter. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and her friends were her extended family. During her lifetime Barbara supported her husband through several corporate moves always ensuring that the next house would in record time be turned into a “home where all were welcomed”. She enjoyed being an accomplished homemaker, loved to cook, and was known for her ability to fix anything from the plumbing to the roof. Her happiest times were spent with family and friends at their home in Raleigh and especially at their second home called “Almost Heaven” on Lake Gaston were she became an expert in navigation and boatmanship.

Before her illness she was involved with several volunteer activities including Urban Ministries of Raleigh, and the Toast to the Triangle which supports the Tammy Lynn Memorial Foundation for special needs adults and children serving as chairperson her final year.

After her diagnoses Barbara educated many women about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Her hope was that women would listen carefully to the “whispers” of this disease and challenge themselves and their doctors to investigate the often misdiagnosed symptoms that could result in an early diagnosis.

Barbara was a child of God who strived to set the right example for all of us who knew her. She never gave up hope and often said that her faith gave her the strength to fight her disease.