Barbara Jo Pacyna

Barbara Jo Pacyna, 87, of Clarks Green PA, passed away peacefully at Allied Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Scranton, on Monday December 29, 2025.  Barbara was born in Honesdale and was the daughter of the late Eugene L. Coleman Sr. and J. Mildred Iloff Coleman.

Barbara developed a strong work ethic early in life, holding several positions over the years in retails sales and in accounting departments.   She approached each role with diligence and care but ultimately found her true passion was in educating children.  After taking time to raise her children, Barbara taught at a church-based preschool for more than ten years. Her passion for working with children continued when she and her dear friend, Margaret Hodge, then founded Step Up Pre-School in Clarks Summit, PA, in 1992.  The school remained active until her retirement in 2004.  With over 20 years in early childhood education, Barbara touched the lives of hundreds of children. Kindergarten teachers often remarked that they could immediately tell when a child had attended Step Up Pre-School, as they were consistently well prepared.

Barbara was a devoted homemaker, loving mother, and cherished wife to her ever-growing family.  She was a constant presence at her children's and grandchildren's sporting events, dance and music recitals.

Throughout her life, she found joy in cooking, gardening, crocheting, camping, and fishing. In her later years, she especially loved sitting on the porch, watching and feeding the squirrels and birds in the yard. Nature brought her a deep sense of peace and spiritual renewal.

Barbara was a member of Clarks Green United Methodist Church where she was a beloved Sunday school teacher and leading member of the Sunday School Committee.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 years Michael J. Pacyna, two children, 10 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.   Her son, Michael J. Pacyna Jr. (Christine) and their children, Michael (Nicole and daughter Mila), Monica, Michelle, Maria, Matthew, and Marc.   Her daughter Lori Jo Reese (Scott) and their children, Hunter, Travis, Dawson, and Parker.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brothers Eugene L. Jr. and Donald R. Coleman.

A special thank you to the team at Allied Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for the unwavering compassion, care, and support Barbara received over the past 3 and a half years.   We are forever grateful for the dignity and friendship shown to her.

As we remember Barbara we celebrate her life, filled with love, generosity, and a spirit that could light up any room.  She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

Services and interment will be private and held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 South State Street, Clarks Summit, PA.