Barbara Elizabeth Young Kendzierski
July 1, 1947 - March 26, 2026
Barbara Elizabeth Young Kendzierski, 78, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2026, in her home after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 1947, and grew up in Kennett Square, where she graduated from Kennett High School.
Barbara began her career as a NICU and PICU nurse in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware. She cared deeply for the babies she served, eventually her sensitive heart couldn’t handle caring for the babies that were ultimately lost. The emotional toll led her to pursue a new path. She returned to school to earn her education degree and went on to work as an elementary and special education teacher in Maryland and Delaware. It was during this time that she formed a lifelong bond with a blind student named Dayon Stevens. Their relationship grew over many years, and as an adult, Dayon continued to call her every evening to check on her.
Helping others was always at the heart of Barbara’s life. Later in her career, she worked at the Rockford Center supporting adolescent children in need of behavioral health care. She was a volunteer with the Red Cross and assisted in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She was very active with the Sunday Breakfast Mission as well as the Journey Church. When her daughter suffered a life altering brain injury, Barbara devoted herself to her daughter’s well being and became deeply involved with the Brain Injury Association of Delaware and Maryland, where she received the Caretaker of the Year award. She was also immensely proud of her work with the Delaware Association of Blind Athletes and often served as a guide runner for Dayon.
Independent, adventurous, and deeply connected to nature, Barbara loved exploring the outdoors both locally and during her travels abroad. She ran dozens of 5k races, an activity she continued to enjoy well into her 70s. She also had a passion for art and spent countless hours sketching and drawing the beauty she found in the world around her.
Barbara’s greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by what she often referred to as her “greatest achievements”: her children Renee Culver (Mel), Randy Kendzierski (Rebecca), Raechel Holloway, and Ryan Kendzierski; her grandchildren Kyle Culver (Sara), Sam Culver, Abbigail Holloway, Kaela Kendzierski, and Chloe Kendzierski; and her great grandchildren Logan and Emmett Culver.
She is also survived by her brothers Joe Young (Alys) and Phil Young; her sister Mary Lou Tabo (Joe); and her nieces and nephews Josh Tabo, Tamara Tabo, Ann Young, and Richie Young.
Not one for ceremonies, Barbara requested a private ceremony for close family to celebrate her life. Thankfully, in the final weeks before her passing, she was able to enjoy a joyful “celebration of life” gathering with extended friends and family. She was joyful at that event, surrounded by the love and support of those who meant so much to her. That is how she would want to be remembered.
Mary Beth Burns
Losing a parent is difficult beyond words. Barbara was a kind and caring Mom. She not only loved her family, but she loved animals and nature. She was a good person. I was so sorry to hear of her passing.
Mary Ann Sianni
Barbara was the best neighbor I could ever hope to have. Randy and Alex and Kate and Rachel were the best of friends, and as their moms, Barbara and I spent lots of time chatting and commiserating.
She led an admirable life full of love and care for others. I know she will be watching over her family and friends as she did in life.
Lucy Knight
I am so sorry to read of your loss. After reading her obituary, she had a life well lived in service and love. May your memories bring you comfort as you think of her.
Nancy Norman
Renee
Corbit and I want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Wow, what an amazing woman she was. What an amazing life she led. I am sure so many people were blessed to have been able to have known and spent time with her. And i’m sure she will be greatly missed. We love you and Mel. God Bless you and comfort you 🙏
Robin Watts
I am going to miss you cuz ,, you were the best Barb, please watch over everyone and until we meet again I love you sweet cousin
Walt & Barb Harrington
Renee honey I didn’t put you & your mom together until I saw this . Walt and I would look for your mom we just loved her and I haven’t seen her in a while I knew she was sick we talked about that many times and I know she was so happy that your sister was moved home we have been praying for that for some time Honey we are so sorry to hear of this we want you and the family to know we are sending you all love and pray the Good Lord comforts you all ❤️🙏
Schindel Barricks
I loved lil Barb💗. I would get so excited when I saw her walking through those doors at the Journey! She was such a firecracker. I loved her love for God, her strength and her get up and go spirit. She will be missed by many. 😢- love Schindel, Jessee and Kiki
Diane Roberts
I met Barbara through her amazing daughter Renee. Barbara also took great care of my daughter in her troubled teen years. They had a wonderful connection that could only come from a mother who lived and loved. She will be greatly missed. But I take comfort in knowing she is with Jesus and he is now comforting her. Rest peacefully knowing your family will always remember you with ❤️ love!!!
Jeanne Hopkins
It was my great pleasure, getting to know Barbara while she and Griz stayed with you Ryan.
What a wonderful life she led. I never once heard her complain about anything or anyone.
May she rest in peace, and may you and your family find the strength you will need moving forward.
I know Griz and Nick are in good hands and if you should ever need anything please reach out.
Joe and Margaret Fellin
Renee, Margaret and I met your mom at church about 2 years ago. We didn’t know she was your mom for a while. We will always remember Barbara with a welcoming smile. You automatically had to give her a hug. I’m she will be missed by many. You’re mom took her last breath on earth and he first breath in Heaven. Resting with he Lord. ✝️
Gail Skaggs
May God bless you and your family, may he give you strength and comfort as you share your memories together.
Samantha Roberts
My heart breaks knowing this special woman is no longer around to bless the world with her kindness, but I also have a sense of joy knowing she is in God’s kingdom now.
When I was a teenager, very depressed and lost, I found a huge sense of comfort everytime she was on shift at the hospital. After the hospital, every time I would see her throughout the years, she would tell me how proud she was of me and my progress. She was such a sweet and gentle woman, and I will be forever grateful for the moments we shared together. I hope to continue to make her proud and I now get to serve troubled youth, I’ve truly followed in her foot steps. I love you forever grand mommy!!!!!
Steve and Gretchen
We miss you very much. Thank you for your friendship and for being a special neighbor. ❤️🩹
Sue McAllister Blaha
Barbie and I were lifelong friends. Her passing has left a definite hole in my heart. Condolences and love to the family. Sue Heath, Ohio
Robin Watts
Our thoughts and Prayers to Barb and the Family, I am so sad my kids and grandkids never got to see how beautiful she was!! I am sorry to All the Family and sen alit of hugs and kisses to all of you Gone but Never Forgotten Barb I will Forever miss you.. Your cousin Robin Veasey
Linda Laughlin
You will be missed my sweet cousin,i have so many memories of our growing up together .Spending time at your moms cottage and swimming in the Elk river. My condolences go out to Barbs family.We have another angel in heaven watching over us.Love and miss you Barbie,until we meet again.