Barbara A. Razo Hallwood

NEW MIDDLETOWN - Barbara A. Razo Hallwood, 89, formerly of Poland, where she lived for 60 years, died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at Hospice House surrounded by her loving family. She was born Sept. 21, 1934, in Struthers, the daughter of Eli and Helen (Wac) Razo. 

Barbara graduated from Springfield High School 1952. She was an active member of 4-H throughout her school years.

She worked as the office manager of The Palace Theatre for 12 years and subsequently as office manager of Connell Steel for 16 years. Barbara later retired in 1999 from Buechner Hall, where she managed operations of the private residence hall as the Executive Director for 16 years. 

She was a member of Holy Family Parish, where she served on the finance committee and the altar guild. Barbara was also a member of the Youngstown Diocese, Catholic Advisory Board, Past President of the National Board of Directors of the North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics. She previously served on the board as a director of the Ohio and Michigan Diocese, representing the Youngstown Diocese. Barbara was a charter member of the Youngstown chapter of National Association of Women in Construction, and served on the National Board of Directors as a Director representing a five-state region. She was elected to serve as President and numerous national and local leadership positions for the Association of Women in Construction. As well as serving as President of the Youngstown Chapter of the USO and Advisor to East High School Y-Teens. 

Barbara was also Involved in her children's school and sports activities as well as serving as Treasurer of the Poland Dobbins PTA. When her boys were in scouting, she served as committee member of Boy Scout Troop #44. Barbara loved to cruise and travel the world. She loved to read and was often at the Poland Public Library reserving the latest books. Among her favorite pastimes was to solve cryptogram puzzles. She loved going to the Canfield Fair each year, and in later years could be found volunteering at the Arts and Crafts and pumpkin barns.

Barbara is survived by her two sons, Robert Hallwood of Seattle, WA and Thomas (Beth) Hallwood of Boardman; sister Kathy D'Amico of Poland; and brother Steve (Eleanore) Razo of New Middletown; granddaughters Samantha Hallwood (Jason) of Hermitage PA, and JoAnn Hallwood of Boardman.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Robert Razo; and brother-in-law Mike D'Amico. Family and friends may call Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024 from 2 to 4 pm at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel. Prayers will begin Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 at 9:30 am at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at Holy Family Church. 

The family has requested that material tributes take the form of donations to the Beatitude House or Angels for Animals.