Barbara Giesey Cochrane's Obituary
Barbara Giesey Cochrane (87), of Lakewood, Ohio passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 14th, 2023. Barbara, fondly known as Barb, was born to the late Alvin and Gladys Giesey, on December 22, 1935, in Shaker Hts., Ohio. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University and later transferred to Bowling Green State University where she earned a Degree in Business Administration. In the summer of 1951, while vacationing in Honora Bay on Manitoulin Island, Canada, she met the love of her life, Bob. They were married in June of 1956 and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in June, 2022.
Barb devoted the first part of her adult life to raising her family, and then took a different path in her professional development. After embarking on a career at WVIZ, she moved into tax preparation with a stint at H&R Block, before founding RHC Financial Systems, Inc. in 1986. Her dedication has seen it become a flourishing business. Alongside this success, Barb's involvement in the Ohio State Society of Enrolled Agents was instrumental - she held the esteemed position of President for two terms. She also contributed a tremendous amount of her time and efforts to the PEO organization. She served as a Trustee and Deacon at Lakewood Christian Church for many years and was also an enthusiastic member of the choir. Barb served on numerous Boards of area not-for-profit organizations, including Love for Angels and most recently Trials for Hope. Barb also loved watching sports, especially football. If there was a game on, it was on the tv, if her children or grandchildren were playing, she was there.
Barbara led a full and productive life, leaving an impact that will be felt by many for years to come. She lived with passion, kindness, and strength. Her influence touched the lives of everyone she met, and she will remain a cherished part of their memories forever. Throughout her life, she was a shining example of what it meant to live life to the fullest. She worked hard to achieve her goals, always pushing to be the best version of herself. Her positivity and resilience were contagious, infecting those around her with hope and a sense of joy.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Gladys Giesey, her brother, Robert and her husband of 66 years, Bob Cochrane. She is survived by her children Robert H. Cochrane (Robin Titus), Bill Cochrane (Barb, deceased), Karen “K.C.” Cimo (Larry, deceased), Thom Cochrane, and Kelly (John) Duwve; and cherished grandmother of Billy (Tiffany) Cochrane, Corbin Titus, Taylor (Michael) Hughey, Cody Cimo, Stephanie, Kathleen, and Jimmy Duwve, Adam (Leah) and Aaron Cimo; great-grandmother of Hunter and Addison Hughey and Asher and Annalynn Cochrane, and a host of extended family and dear friends.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Barb’s extraordinary life will be held on June 10, 2023, 11:00 am at Dover Congregational Church, 2239 Dover Center Road, Westlake, Ohio 44145. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Barb’s honor to Trials for Hope or Hospice of the Western Reserve - Ames House.
The family would like to thank the Ames Family Hospice House for their love, support, and care over the past few weeks.
Trials for Hope
https://www.trials4hope.org/
Hospice of the Western Reserve - Ames House
https://p2p.onecause.com/donateonetime/donate
Following the service, the family invites you to celebrate Barb's life at Elk's Club Lodge 1350, 24350 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, OH 44145.
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