Obituary of Barbara Jo Warapius

I am music, most ancient of the arts. I am more than ancient, I am eternal. Even before life commenced upon this earth, I was here- in the winds and waves." It is with profound sadness that the family of Barbara Jo Warapius, born in Cincinnati on 27 January 1954 to Thomas & Norma Warapius, announces that she passed away on Wednesday 21 July 2021. Barbara Jo was a dual citizen of Canada and the USA. Her love of music crossed both borders and she was an integral part of the arts and theater community wherever she resided. Her honours degree in Music from the University of Windsor and Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University in Sudbury, Ontario and her incredible talent as a pianist, composer and musical director made her a prized member of countless productions put on by Cincinnati area groups like the Footlighters and the Beechmont Players, Inc. She was very proud to serve as a member of the esteemed Kentucky Army Reserve Band, as well as the Secretary of the Cincinnati UpDownTowners in the 1990's. As with anything Barbara Jo put her mind to, her colleagues at Great American Insurance Group found her work to be invaluable and outstanding. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Barbara Jo will miss her offbeat humour, her razor-sharp intellect and her distinct throaty laugh which was frequent and uplifting. They'll remember her deep commitment to her many pets, her love of skiing and the great Canadian north, her skill at making stylish 1980's clothes for herself and her friends, and of course, they will miss the vision of her in her favourite and iconic car - the Volkswagen Cabriolet convertible. Barbara Jo is survived by her older sister, Susan Jacobs of Ontario, her nieces Lyndsay and Kellee Jacobs also of Ontario, and her beloved mother, Norma Causland of Vero Beach, Florida. Arrangements for a celebration of life will be made and announced here in the future. Inquires can be directed to Justin Thomas Funeral Home for further information. The family asks that instead of flowers and other offerings, donations can be made on Barbara's behalf to the local SPCA to help the animals she cared so deeply about.