Dr. Barbara Wyles, age 79, died Saturday, May 13, 2017. She was born to the late Joseph and Anna (Evans) Wyles on May 3, 1938 in Canton, Ohio. She was a 1956 graduate of Jackson High School and earned her RN degree from Mercy School of Nursing. While there she was named Miss Student Nurse of Stark County. Next, she earned bachelors and masters degree from Duquesne University and her PhD from George Washington University. Barbara taught English at Marymount University and Northern Virginia Community College in the Washington, DC area. She held various administrative positions at NOVA, before becoming the provost of the Alexandria campus, a position she retired from in 2006. She was especially proud of her work at the community college, believing that is provided opportunities for people who otherwise would not have many. Colleagues stated upon her retirement, "Barbara, you leave many happy memories for the people who have loved you. For me, the happiest memory is that of your grace towards all who came your way. You always had time for our concerns; you always had a smile and a word that made life so much better. You created a wonderful atmosphere for the faculty, staff and students at VVCC Alexandria. You are one of the most gracious and beautiful ladies I have met in my life, and I will be eternally grateful for the positive influence you had on me and so many others." In 2016, Barbara was named one of the fifty most influential people in the fifty-year history of NOVA, Alexandria campus. She was thus honored for her many educational innovations and for overseeing to completion the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, one of the finest such facilities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Barbara married Vietnam veteran, Tom Moritz in 2009 . Tom passed away in 2011. She had five stepchildren and numerous step grandchildren. She is survived by brothers, Ronald (Regina) of The Villages, Florida and Gordon (Nancy) of Canal Fulton. She has nieces Kim, Meredith and Bethany; nephews, David, Michael and Brian whom she loved very much. Her warm and vibrant personality was always evident. When she talked with someone, she made that person feel as if she or he was the most important person. Connecting with and helping others were her passions in life. She was and always will be greatly loved by all fortunate enough to have known her.

A Memorial Mass will be held FRIDAY, June 2, 2017, 10:30am, St. Mary's Catholic Church, 726 First St. NE, Massillon. Fr. Edward Getcheko, celebrant. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Barbara's memory to: NVCC Educational Foundation, 4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd., Annandale, VA 22003. Designate on memo line Barbara Wyles Scholarship Fund.

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