Barbara Farina
February 11, 1940 - June 08, 2026
Visitation: Visitation will be private.
Service: Saturday, June 20th at 10AM, St. Teresa of Avila, 800 Avila Ct., Pgh, PA 15237
Barbara Golembeski Farina
Age 86, of McCandless Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 8, 2026.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Frank J. Farina, Jr.; loving mother of Maria P. DeMore (Michael), Laura F. Stephen (Michael), and Frank J. Farina III; proud and devoted grandmother of Michael (Lacey), Isaac (Lexi), Emily, Flayre, Amelia-Glee, Michael, and Matthew; and cherished great-grandmother of Nolan. She is also survived by many loving relatives, dear friends, former students, and countless individuals whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, and friendship.
Originally from Hollsopple, Pennsylvania, Barbara was a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and began her career as an elementary school teacher. She dedicated herself to helping children learn, grow, and succeed. While pursuing graduate studies in Remedial Reading, she balanced the demands of teaching, marriage, and raising a family. Like many women of her generation, she quietly set aside some of her own aspirations to support the dreams and opportunities of those she loved. After raising her family, she embraced her creative side, working as an artisan in the food service industry, creating distinctive food displays for Heinz Hall and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Following Frank’s passing, Barbara proudly carried forward their shared vision as President of The Farina Foundation, a role she held until her passing. Through her leadership, the Foundation continued its mission of placing musical instruments into the hands of children who otherwise would not have access to them, supporting schools, community organizations, and young musicians throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. The Foundation’s work will continue as a lasting tribute to Frank and Barbara’s belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the power of music.
Barbara lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and service to others. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel remembered. For decades, she faithfully sent birthday cards, anniversary wishes, holiday greetings, thoughtful gifts, and notes of encouragement to hundreds of family members and friends. She rarely missed a special occasion and never needed a reminder. It was one of the many ways she showed people they mattered. Those who knew Barb will remember her beautiful smile, steadfast faith, gentle spirit, quiet strength, and remarkable ability to make others feel loved, valued, and celebrated. She truly believed that it was more meaningful to give than to receive.
Above all else, Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson and found immense happiness in watching them grow, succeed, and build families of their own. To them, she was not simply Barbara—she was Mumum, a title she wore with endless pride and unconditional love.
Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she adored, and the many people who will forever remember the simple but powerful ways she made them feel loved.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila Church (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish), 800 Avila Court, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her memory to the Farina Foundation, whose mission was so close to her heart, ensuring that all children have access to the life-changing power of music education and opportunity.
Follow this link for the Farina Foundation
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Frank, Laura, and Maria-
We feel so fortunate to have known your mom, not only through our evenings together at the Frick and the Farina Foundation table, but through so many fun gatherings where she welcomed us so naturally into your family’s circle.
She had such a remarkable way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Her warmth, kindness, beautiful smile, and sincere interest in others made every conversation memorable. She carried such joy and generosity, and it was impossible not to feel better after spending time with her!
One of the greatest gifts she leaves behind is the extraordinary family she and your dad built together.
The love, closeness, and genuine delight you all share in one another has been inspiring to witness.
We continue to hold each of you, and your wonderful families, in our hearts and sending love and light. xo
One of the most amazing women I have met. Her Drive, Her Passion, Her Love for Music and Children getting the gift of music is overwhelming and impressive. She will be truly missed and Brighton Music will help carry on the foundation legacy in her honor.
My most sincere sympathies to Maria , Laura , Frank and your families .
My best memories of your Mom are from the wonderful July 4 picnics and all the festivities our families had together. Great times !
Prayers for God to comfort you and your families and guide you through this very sad time .
May your lovely Mom rest in eternal peace .
Love and hugs .
Susan Kennedy
My deepest sympathy to the entire Farina family. Mrs Farina made us all feel like we were family. I too was a lucky recipient of a birthday card with a little treat inside; she felt like my special pen pal! The Farinas had such a huge impact on me from my first band practice in the summer of ‘81 to recently supporting us through the loss of my dad. Your friendship was so very special to all of us. We are saddened at her passing but I feel her spirit lives on in so many of us.
My sincere condolences on the sad news of Mrs. Farina’s passing. She was always a big part of our N.A. Band trips and I remember her warmly.
Although Frank was a colleague at North Allegheny School District, I never met Barbara in person. However, I felt as though she was a close friend. She never missed sending me a birthday card (often hand-crafted!) and a lottery ticket for the past 20 years! Barbara was one of a kind! May she rest in peace and may heaven be her happy home.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Ed Sarver
My name is Patti Jensen and my parents were Bill and Joy Jensen.
I was introduced to “Marching Band Life” at the age of 9. Mrs. Farina was always there, . . observing, helping,. . . without a lot of fanfare or commentary that any of us kids could perceive.
When my Dad passed away Mrs. Farina became a Founding Member of the “Lunch Bunch” that was to become a staple for the Band Moms from that Era.
I am not exactly sure when she started sending Birthday Cards to the Band Kids but I do Know that it was before my Mom had also passed.
I would always tell my Mom that I got a Birthday card from Mrs. Farina and she would always acknowledge how that was so sweet and kind of her.
Even once Mom was gone, I still got a card for my Birthday every year, even this past March when I turned 55.
This most recent card received inspired me to send her a box of greetings cards & stamps so that she could continue in her endeavor to Celebrate folks’ milestones.
So I was extremely saddened to hear from Laura just this past Friday that Barbara had passed.
My Parents Adored The Farinas. I did as well.
Barbara Farina may not have actually known how much of an impact getting a card from a “Mom” could mean to someone, however I will always be Incredibly Grateful that I was on her list of recipients.
Rest in Peace M’am. 🙏🏼
In Condolence,
Patti Jensen
To the Farina Family…..I am very sorry for you loss.
Bryan Hinds
NA 1980
You will be greatly missed
Many good memories of you
Gid Bless
My children Daniel and Mateo were 2 of Mrs. Farina’s beneficiaries. They both received birthday cards every year after my mother Joy Jensen passed away in 2007. I always told her how wonderful that it was that they had a loving remembrance from a Grandma figure. Barbara was a special lady and we hope that you all can take comfort in knowing that she is with Our Lord in heaven. Hopefully having laughs with Frank, Bill and Joy Jensen. All of our love to you.
Always enjoyed your mother and years and years ago we used to see each other and talk in Value City, a place we both liked to shop at. We had three chidlren in the NA band so have seen Barb over the years. Last time I talked with your Mom was at Maria, book signing at LaRoche a couple of years ago.
Marcia, Robert, Melinda, Kevin and Ryan Coleman
Barb was a delightful person who subbed while I taught at NH. Very well respected by students, staff, and administration. Always had that smile on her face, God Bless!
Me and my family have loved Mrs Farina and the Farina family since we met them while I my sister was in high school school in 1989! We have always cherished this whole family! We will pray for the family and keep Mr and Mrs farina in our hearts forever! Now they can be together again!