Barbara Jean (McKaig) Urell

 Barbara (McKaig) Urell

Born September 12, 1944 in Albany, NY to Charlotte (Johnson) and Alfred Nelson McKaig. Barbara was educated in Albany Public Schools, earned her BS in Education at the State University of New York at Oneonta and her MEd at Miami University (Oxford,OH). She taught briefly in New York and subsequently in the Edgewood and Talawanda Districts in Ohio and at the Miami University McGuffey Laboratory School in Oxford. Barbara specialized in language arts and reading at the elementary level and mathematics at the middle school level. When asked which subjects and which levels she most enjoyed teaching, she always responded, “I loved every class and every student I ever taught.” Nothing gave her greater satisfaction than learning of the successes of her students. Barbara received numerous awards and recognition for her excellence in teaching and contributions to civic and educational boards. She was featured in a nationally distributed special PBS series on mathematics instruction. She believed strongly in civic engagement and service as essential to community success. Barbara was proudest of her family and modeled tolerance, kindness, generosity, and unconditional love every day. Her devotion to her family was unfailing and complete. Barbara cherished the many friendships she had both in Oxford and in Waterford, Maine. She considered friends true “blessings” and spoke often of her good fortune in the joy and comfort they provided. She is predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Donald and Kenneth. Barbara is survived by her husband of 51 years, Joseph; sons Brian and Peter, grandchildren Hannah Urell, Matthew Urell, and Elijah Urell, numerous nephews, nieces, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law. The family would especially like to thank the staff members at Woodland Country Manor for the compassionate care and kindness they extended during Barbara’s illness. There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the Shriver Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH from 2-4 pm. Those wishing to make memorial contributions should do so to the charity of their choosing. 

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