Barb Popovich shares recent developments at the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden in Cleveland, Ohio.

Barb Popovich
Published: July 20, 2024

Special Note: The following update was written by Barb Popovich, a long-time C-RS member and president of the C-RS Cleveland Chapter, who passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2024. We share this text in memory and honor of Barb, along with words of remembrance by Bonnie Burke.

Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Carpatho-Rusyn Garden. Please note that your donation is in her memory.

From Bonnie Burke:

Barbara Popovich was a truly dedicated Carpatho-Rusyn. She is known as a volunteer for the Cleveland Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society, serving as an officer in all capacities for many years. Her great interest in, and knowledge of, genealogy was shared with others by serving on the C-RS Genealogy Committee. One of Barb’s greatest passions was pysanky where she instructed many classes. She had developed many techniques and was always willing to share her expertise with others. Barb did not like being in the limelight, but you could always count on her giving more than 100%. It was a pleasure to work with her and her pleasant personality.

Barbara’s greatest legacy is Friends of the Carpatho-Rusyn Garden, Inc. She started out as a volunteer at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens of Cleveland, OH in the Rusin Garden and then moved on to form a non-profit for the garden and served as First President. She was involved with a name change and a recent dedication for the newly added pedestals. You would always find Barb at One World Day in the gardens sharing our Carpatho-Rusyn culture with everyone. She will be sorely missed in the Carpatho-Rusyn Community. Vichnaya Pamyat!

The Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden, located in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens at 930 East Blvd., was dedicated in 1939. Originally cared for by the Rusin Cultural Garden Association (Rusin Elite Society), John Krenisky and Florence Orris became responsible for the Garden circa 1994. Currently, the garden is tended by members of the Cleveland Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society and the Friends of the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden of Cleveland Inc.

On April 20, 2024 Diana and Barb, from the Cleveland Chapter, helped remove the last signs of winter, and the inevitable weeds, from the garden with the help of four wonderful students from John Carroll University. Eric, Walt, Meridith and Hannah were invaluable and helped us clean the lower garden of fallen branches and leaves. We also got a head start on the grass that grows between the cracks of the stone walkways.

This was just one of several clean-up sessions we will have in the garden this year. We are always looking for more people interested in helping us keep the garden looking its best. If you are interested in becoming a part of the “Garden Team” call Marcia at (440)331-3856.

Becoming a “Team” member requires no special gardening skills. We have a lot of sweeping and general clean-up that is on-going, and there will be someone there to give directions for what needs to be done.

We look forward to seeing new faces and helping hands in the garden.

Barb Popovich was a member of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society, and president of the C-RS Cleveland Chapter.