Barbara Tryba Mendrala

Barbara Tryba Mendrala, 81, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, after a courageous journey with dementia. Born in Chicopee, Massachusetts on March 10, 1945, she was the daughter of Casimir and Helen Papuga Tryba.

Barbara lived a full and active life, marked by dedication to family, hard work, and a spirit that brought energy to everyone around her. She graduated from Chicopee High School in 1962 and Northampton Commercial College in 1964. She began her career at Mass Mutual and went on to earn an associate’s degree from Northampton Junior College in 1970.

In 1965, Barbara married Thomas Mendrala, and together they shared a life filled with partnership, purpose, and mutual support. After moving to Westfield, Massachusetts, they worked side by side for 25 years at Northeastern Avionics and Air Services, a business they built together with care and commitment. Barbara had a passion for education seen through her involvement in school Parent Advisory Councils and service on the Westfield School Committee from 1986 to 1993. Her commitment to public service and her astute business sense made Barbara a respected and loved member of her community.

Retiring to The Villages, Florida in 2001, she continued to enjoy life through her volunteering with Seniors vs. Crime and many neighborhood activities including the Red Hat Society, golf, and mahjong and embraced the friendships that came with those activities.

Her creative side shone through in the many things she loved to make and share. Barbara enjoyed cake decorating, chocolate making, and yarn crafts, and she loved entertaining. These were more than hobbies; they were expressions of her generous nature and her joy in bringing people together. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, and her home and table were often places where memories were made with family and friends.

Barbara is predeceased closely by her beloved husband, Thomas Mendrala. She is survived by daughters: Nancy Mendrala of Washington, DC, and Karen Warfel and her husband Robert of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Barbara is also survived by her sisters, Christine Tryba-Cofrin with her husband David of Atlanta, GA, and Diane Catelotti of Hubbardston, MA, as well as her brother, Casimir Tryba and his wife Deborah of Southwick, MA.

Barbara’s life was a testament to the power of love, service, and community. Her spirited personality and compassionate nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Family and friends are encouraged to honor her memory through contributions to dementia research, Cornerstone Hospice, or a charity of their choice.