Rochelle L. Barness

Rochelle L. Barness, 51, of Center Township peacefully passed away on January 15, 2021 in the compassionate care of Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver, after a lengthy, unrelenting battle with kidney disease. She was born on June 19, 1969 in Aliquippa and was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph P. and Karen R. (Charles) Barness. Rochelle was a faithful member of Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Center Twp., where she served with great pride as a Eucharistic Minister, a past President of Christian Mothers, and a member of the Pastoral Council and the Care and Concern Ministry. For several years during the Christmas season, Rochelle would collect personal care items and gift cards donated by parishioners for “Presents for Patients” at various Liberty Dialysis clinics in Beaver County, where she was a longtime patient. She also took the time to organize the distribution of holiday get well cards, made by the Religious Education students, for church members who were ill or homebound. Rochelle was employed at Sears Auto Center in the service department as an Assistant Manager. When she could no longer sustain conventional employment for health reasons, Rochelle generously focused the majority of her free time on charity. During her long tenure as President of the Friends of the Library for B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa, she was essential in coordinating record-setting fundraising efforts, and she also served on the library’s Board of Directors as Vice President for five years. Her strong desire to help others and her zest for life were evident to all who knew her, and she could light up a room with her contagious laughter. She is survived by her brother, Jason, of Scottsdale, AZ; loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and cherished lifelong friends, Richard Fuller and Janet Nagy. Per Rochelle’s request there will be no public visitation. Family and friends will gather on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Center Twp., where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Joachim Morgan, O.S.B., officiating. Entombment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rochelle’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Rochelle’s caregivers on 3rd Floor Main at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center; the nurses and doctors at Heritage Valley, Beaver; the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice; the dialysis team at Liberty Dialysis, LLC; and all of her many loyal friends and neighbors for their unconditional love and unwavering support over the years. Rochelle boldly fought her challenging health conditions for years while maintaining a positive outlook, an amazing sense of humor, and close, meaningful friendships. We find comfort in knowing that she is at peace with God, free from all suffering and pain, and reunited again with her loving parents. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing are required.

Rochelle L. Barness

June 19, 1969 - January 15, 2021