Barbara French Drapiewski

Barbara French Drapiewski, 86, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025.

Born January 28, 1939 in Forty Fort she was a daughter of the late Cornelius and Anna O'Donnell French.

Barbara attended Forty Fort High School. Upon graduation, she worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance in Forty Fort. She went on to meet a handsome extrovert and former high school football star, Joe Drapiewski. They married and raised their family in Dallas.

Barbara was a civic-minded volunteer her whole life, especially within Our Lady of Victory Church, Gate of Heaven School, and local campaigns of various political candidates. In her free time, she was a voracious reader and avid letter writer, many of which were cherished and saved by family and friends. Barbara loved taking day trips to New York to see Broadway shows and soak in the city that never sleeps. At home, she was sous chef for Joe, as they hosted Thanksgiving gatherings and countless dinner parties for close friends and family. In her later life, aside from being the best grandmother and spending quality time with her eight grandchildren, Barbara enjoyed traveling with family. Destinations included Hawaii and Alaska, and at 84, she toured Morocco with her daughter, Katie, and son-in-law, Jamal.

Barbara's husband Joseph A. Drapiewski died on March 21, 1994. Her siblings Jack, Ruth, Bethann, and Nancy also preceded her in death.

Barbara's daughters Maggie, Joellen and her husband Donny, and Katie and her husband Jamal; son-in-law Trey; grandchildren Drew, Said, Jihan, Caroline, Amani, Maria, Rebecca, and her favorite, Thomas; her beloved nieces and nephews and other family and friends will miss her very much.

Celebration of Barbara's Life takes place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with visitation beginning at 9 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of Our Lady of Victory, Lakeside Drive at Second Street, Harvey's Lake.

In place of flowers or donations, we ask that you hand-write a letter, put a stamp on it, and send it the old-fashioned way to someone you love.

Share memories and condolences with Barbara's family at mjmclaughlin.com