Barbara Ghazalah

Barbara was born the 17th day in June of 1935, in Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital—carrying on what would become a family tradition, as sister Marjorie, niece Michelle, and nephews Dev and Roy would all be born in the same hospital. The second daughter of Lyle and Hazel Rohne, she spent her early years moving between her mother's hometown of Seattle and Southern California during the Great Depression and World War II. 

The spark of Barb's personality showed early in life. In 1955, while working as a server in the cafeteria at the brand-new Disneyland in Anaheim, she had an encounter that would become cherished family lore. On Opening Day, who should walk into the cafeteria but Walt Disney himself! Poor Barb was so nervous that she dumped the whole tray of food, including coffee, right in his lap. She always maintained that Mr. Disney was very gracious and tried to put the star-struck girl at ease, even giving her a tip! Her telling of the story perfectly captured her wonderful sense of humility and humor. 

Barb's years at UC Berkeley were truly transformative in her life. She made lifelong friends there, including her dear friend Joy, whom she spoke with regularly until the day she passed. Most importantly, it was at Berkeley where she found the love of her life, a bright Lebanese Economics student named Ismail. Their marriage would span 63 remarkable years until Ismail's passing in 2021. After earning her degree in 1958, Barb began teaching in Hayward, California, later completing her Master's in Education from Berkeley in 1964. When Ismail joined Ohio University as a Professor of Economics, their path led them to Athens in 1969. 

Teaching 6th–8th grade children is not for the faint of heart, but Barb thrived in the classroom for 31 years, preparing young people for bright futures. When not educating, Barb and Ismail filled their lives with travel, learning, and friendship, centered around their beloved turn-of-the-century home on Elmwood Place. Their academic journey took them to Glasgow, Scotland for two years, and Ismail's work with Aramco brought them to Saudi Arabia, experiences that broadened their world view and enriched the warmth and wisdom they brought back to Athens. 

Barb and Ismail’s time in Scotland kindled what would become a lifelong passion for collecting antiques. They returned with beautiful furniture pieces, beginning what would become their favorite shared adventure. They spent countless happy hours together at antique shows and stores across the Midwest, hunting for treasures. 

Roy fondly remembers joining them at antique auctions when he was 14, learning to bid on art glass—just one example of how they shared their passions with family. Their impressive collection grew to include Ohio art glass from the region's historic factories and Lladró porcelain from their travels to Spain, each piece carefully chosen to grace their cherished home. 

While in Scotland, Barb also discovered her love of knitting, a passion she would later share with her niece Michelle and nephew Dev (though they admittedly never progressed beyond rectangles!). 

The Economics department at Ohio University brought scholars, graduate students, and academic friends from near and far into Barb and Ismail's lives, many becoming lifelong friends. They were active in book clubs and gourmet groups, taking great pleasure in cooking and hosting delicious meals for their wide circle of friends. Barb maintained a special bond with her sister Marjorie throughout her life, sharing many wonderful trips together. 

In their later years, Barb and Ismail were blessed with a truly remarkable team of caregivers who became an extension of their family. Led by Dina, the team included Cheryl, Lori, Susan, Lili, Jenn, Shamila, and two little helpers Thomas and Anushka. These wonderful people enabled Barb and Ismail to remain in the home they loved so dearly. 

Jenn & Thomas and Shamila & Anushka have particularly fond memories of Saturday night dinners and movies, card games, and lively book discussions shared with Barb through the years. They remember with joy their shared adventures—from workouts at Well Works to long bike rides on the path, shopping excursions to Columbus and Parkersburg, and occasional visits to the Columbus symphony or opera. When they think of Barb, they feel the unconditional love and caring of a mother and best friend who meant the world to them. 

Barb's legacy lives on through the scholarship established in Ismail's name at Ohio University and through her donations to her beloved alma mater, UC Berkeley. She is survived by her niece, two nephews, and Bao Bao the cat. Those who knew her best cherished her the most, and we are all fortunate that she was part of our lives. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at a future date when her immediate family arrives in Athens. Friends and family are welcome to send a sympathy card or sign the online guestbook at www.ehwfh.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ismail Ghazalah scholarship fund held by the Ohio University Foundation.