Barbara Ann Marakas

Poland-Barbara (Barbie) Ann Marakas, 72, of Poland, Ohio passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024 after a hard fought battle with cancer. 

Barbie was born December 17, 1952 in Youngstown, Ohio to John and Barbara Caputo. The second child out of seven, she always watched out for her younger siblings. Barbie graduated from Ursuline High School in 1970 and went on to study Nursing at Youngstown State University. After graduating with a degree in Nursing, she worked at Tod Children’s Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She thrived in this work environment, as she so very much enjoyed caring for these special babies. It brought her such joy seeing some of her NICU graduates out and about many years after caring for them and knowing they got a chance to go on to live a fulfilled life.

In 1984, Barbie married John (Andy) Marakas in Youngstown and went on to have three children, Brian, Buck, and Megan. She devoted her life to her family and taking care of them. She was a mother first and foremost but also a chauffeur, cook, supporter, and listener. For many years, she was constantly at the schools her kids attended volunteering for various activities within the PTA and served as President for one year. She would do anything for her children even if it meant sacrificing her own time, which as a mother is all the time. Being a mother was by far her favorite role in life until she became a Nana. She loved all of her grandchildren fiercely. She was a selfless mother, grandmother, and friend. If she knew you, she loved you, and “No” was never a part of her vocabulary as she was always open and available to help in any capacity she could. 

Barbie was preceded in death by her parents John and Barbara Caputo. She is survived by her husband, Andy; three children, Brian (Katie) Marakas, Buck (Brittnie) Marakas, and Megan (Billy) Pell; seven granddaughters, Leelynn, Cecelia, Camilla, Athena, Genevieve, Delaney, and Aubrey; her siblings, Margie Chianese (spouse of the late Lenny Chianese), Joseph Caputo (spouse of the late Terri Caputo), Charles (Tiffani) Caputo, John (Kathy) Caputo, Nanci (Dean) Ciccone, and James Caputo; and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she loved each as her own.

A Celebration of Barbie’s Life will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, 2805 Salt Springs Rd., Youngstown, Ohio 44509. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.