Barbara Marie Rudnicki

Barbara Marie Rudnicki, loving wife, mother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at age 62. She is survived by her husband, Richard, and their daughter, Angela Leduc (Ray). She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Zak, and by her parents John and Irene Hanudel.

She was born on May 16, 1958 in Toledo, OH, and grew up in the Birmingham Ethnic Neighborhood, in a home in which she lived for her entire life. In 1976 and following in her mother’s footsteps, she graduated from Saint Ursula Academy, where her daughter Angela would also go on to attend. Barb took her brilliant mind to the University of Toledo, where she studied for her career in pharmacy. She was the first UT student to complete her externship at the Alaska Native Medical Center but may have been most proud of representing the Rockets as she won a silver medal at an international cross country skiing event. She always cherished her time at UT and the University Y Camp, where she met some of her lifelong friends including her beloved ADABA group.

During a 20-year career at the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy, Barb was the chairwoman of the PharmD committee, a professor in many courses including pharmacy ethics, the director of the externship program, and the co-founder of Extracts & Graduates – the College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences alumni magazine. She remained dedicated to this career well into her battle with ALS, working as a pharmacist at Mercy Health, a job and community she loved.

Barb met the love of her life, Rick, with whom she enjoyed 36 years of marriage, while working in the whitewater rafting industry in West Virginia. Her sense of adventure was relentless and wonderful in a way that inspired others to get out there and see the world. She cared deeply about others, emulating strong values of compassion, charity, and kindness. Barb was a bright light in the lives of many, and will be deeply missed. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be a visitation, but the family looks forward to celebrating her life with family and friends when it is safe to do so. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23, at 4 PM, at the Historic Church of St. Patrick, 130 Avondale Ave., Toledo, OH 43605. Masks covering the nose and mouth, as well as adherence to strict social distancing guidelines, are required at all times. The family does not want anyone to feel pressured to attend, and so the Mass will also be streamed live for those who wish to attend virtually.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Food Pantry at the Historic Church of St. Patrick, 130 Avondale Ave., Toledo, OH 43604, (419) 243 – 6452.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 419-476-9176. Condolences can be shared with Barb’s family at www.sujkowski.com.