Ellen Jane Barnickel, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 14, 2022. She was born April 10, 1929 in Washington, PA, daughter of Joseph and Clara McClure.

Jane was a graduate of Trinity High School and Penn Commercial Business School. She married Harry “Whitey” Barnickel and raised their three children in Washington. After becoming a widow at age 40, she earned her Early Childhood Education degree at California State College. She taught kindergarten at the local YWCA for many years with her dear friend Sharon Franconeri. In retirement, she served as a substitute teacher for the local school districts. Jane is remembered fondly by many of her students and continued sharing her love of teaching with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jane loved traveling and seeing new places, reading, going to the movies and spending time with her extended family. She was very involved with the Church of the Covenant community and an active participant at the Washington Senior Center. She enjoyed exercising and went to 30 And Out Fitness until she was almost ninety.

Jane’s grandchildren loved going to her house because they always had such a wonderful time. They were very impressed with her athletic ability when playing games with them (kickball was a favorite) - into her seventies - in the backyard. They were also amazed with her knowledge on a broad range of topics and how she stayed up-to-date on current events till the end; to them she was a living encyclopedia.

Always seeing the bright side of things, she will be forever missed for her infectious smile and the twinkle in her eye.

Jane was predeceased by her husband, her son, Daniel Barnickel and her sister, Joann Puskarich. She is survived by her daughter, Janet Lea Shade of Falmouth, MA and son, Timothy (Lorraine) Barnickel of Washington PA; grandchildren, Cody (Amy) Barnickel, Jessica (Clarke) Morrison, Lauren (Jon) Roise, Rachele (Brian) Veshio, Timothy (Shannon) Barnickel and Melissa (Matt) Fowkes; as well as 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Concordia Hospice and the Donnell House in Washington for their compassionate care. There was a private service at Warco-Falvo Funeral Home for family, followed by burial at the Washington Cemetery.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, the American Cancer Society or the Church of the Covenant in Washington in Jane’s name.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Supervisor/Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Park N. Crosier, Director. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com

Obituary posts