The world has lost a truly special person, Hillside Executive Director Barbara Umlauf. For 34 years, she has been the face of The Hillside. A friend to many, a savior to animals in need. Barbara worked tirelessly through the years to save the lives of countless animals. She suffered the loss of both her children and dedicated her every moment to preserving their memory through “Joe and Caroline’s Spay/Neuter and Emergency Fund” which made it possible to spay and neuter every animal in residence at any time at the shelter and covered the veterinary bills for animals in need. It is difficult to find the words to adequately express the deep sense of loss and just how much she meant to so very many.
The thoughts and words of Hillside’s Manager, Tricia Moyer-Mentzer, say it so well and speak for so many of us. ” ‘If you die loved, then you are lucky.’ One of the very first things this brave and courageous woman taught me. She died loved. She died tremendously loved.
Barbara was a constant source of strength to me and so many others over the years. She embodied a spirit others can only hope to embrace. She was truly the most humane person I have ever encountered. I looked up to her in every aspect of my life. In the past few months I made sure to tell her this, especially.
No words will ever do my love for Barbara justice. No tribute can ever sum up my love or gratitude I have for the woman that taught me so much, that gave me so much, and that gave the animal word so much. The world lost an amazing friend, mentor, advocate, sister, aunt, role model, and human being.
Barbara, you are a legend in my book. I know you are with Joe, Caroline, and all of our buddies. No more pain for you, but my heart is broken. I love you, with all of my heart, and more than you will ever know. Extra. Extra extra.”
Barbara Umlauf, 68, of Ashland passed away Thursday evening, December 20th, at home with family after a long battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late John and Irene Canfield of Ashland.
Barbara was the Executive Director of the Hillside S.P.C.A. in Pottsville for 34 years. She worked and sacrificed for decades to help the animals of Schuylkill County and beyond, and received numerous awards for service in animal welfare. Barbara worked day and night as the Hillside was her heart and soul, and a true labor of love. She could be relied upon 24/7 to help an animal, or person for that matter, in need. Not only did Barbara help thousands of animals during her lifetime, she also helped unite countless people with their “fur kids.” Barbara also founded the Joe and Caroline Spay/Neuter and Emergency Fund after the devastating losses of her children. This fund continues to help in providing animals with life saving medical interventions. Aside from being a savior to so many animals, Barbara was loved and cherished by many people and has touched innumerable lives. Barbara continued to work at the Hillside up until nearly the very end of her life, visiting the shelter as much as her body would allow and continuing to write thank you letters into the night. She is a tremendous loss to her family and friends, as well as all animals in the county. Barbara will be missed immensely and she will continue to be loved, extra extra.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children Joseph J. Parnell and Caroline C. Parnell.
Barbara is survived by her husband Paul H. Umlauf, her sisters Nadine Avenoso and Paula Murphy and their husbands Gary Avenoso and Thomas Murphy, her nephews John and Jeff Murphy, her niece Natalie Avenoso, and five great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday January 5th at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville. Friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday from 4 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Barbara’s dying wish to continue to save as many animals as possible, donations can be made to either Joe and Caroline Spay/Neuter and Emergency Fund (Click here to donate online) -OR- The Hillside SPCA. Please make checks payable to the Hillside S.P.C.A. P.O. Box 233 Pottsville, PA 17901 and please clearly mark on your envelope whether your gift is to the general fund or Joe and Caroline’s fund.
