Barbara Broich

Barbara Broich, 82, of Westfield Center, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with her loving husband of 60 years, Larry by her side. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Gertrude Bean; and sister, Nancy (Bean) Abromowitz. She is survived by husband, Larry; sons, Todd (Robin) and Eric (Amy); grandchildren, Hayley (Zack), Matthew (Holly) and Myranda (Connor); great-grandchildren, Penelope, Preston, and Haven; brother, Ken (Mary) Bean; nephews and nieces, Ken, Debbie, Andy and Amy. Barb was born in Little Falls, New York. She grew up and graduated from high school in Owego, New York after which she attended Cornell University and received her teaching degree from Buffalo State University. Barb and Larry met in Junior High School and were married after graduating from college in 1965. They moved to Ohio where Barb started her 25 year teaching career, the majority of which was as a first-grade teacher at Westfield Elementary school. She was active in the local community and school district. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, collecting seashells walking on the beach in Naples, Florida, collecting lake glass at Chautauqua Lake, New York, enjoyed being active outdoors traveling, hiking and biking, and passing her time with jigsaw puzzles and reading. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Darlene Murphy for her support and longtime friendship with Barb as well as the compassionate and personal care provided by the nurses and aids at Western Reserve Masonic Community Memory Care and Hospice of the Western Reserve. A private family burial and celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Cloverleaf Education Foundation (7540 Buffman Road, Seville, Ohio 44273, Attn: Kacie Stephens) or Hospice of the Western Reserve (reserve-care.org) (5075 Windfall Road, Medina, Ohio 44256). Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.