Barbara L. (Visaggio) Jorden

Barbara L. (Visaggio) Jorden, 82, passed away peacefully on October 26th, surrounded by her children. She was born in Altoona, PA, daughter of the late Gilbert and Minnie Visaggio. She was the oldest daughter of five children. Barbara married the love of her life, David E. Jorden, on June 23, 1962. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, brothers William and Ronald Visaggio, and infant grandson Elliott Jorden.

Surviving are her four children: Charles (Laura), Rosemary Jorden Best (John), Elizabeth Luther (Mike) and Amy M. Jorden; grandchildren: Kayleigh (Cory), Jorden (Kelly), Alyssa, Chloe, Ian, Julianna, David, Madison and Isaac; great-grandsons: Max, Quinn, Eli, Gabriel and Nathaniel; and siblings Rosemary Lumadue and Lawrence Visaggio.

Barbara was a 1956 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School. After high school, Barbara attended Seton Hill College on a full scholarship, majoring in early childhood education. In 1976, she became the first kindergarten teacher at McNelis Elementary School located at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. Barbara retired from Our Lady of Lourdes elementary school in 2000, after a very rewarding thirty years of teaching kindergarten and preschool.

Although Barbara was a gifted and beloved teacher, her true joy in life was her family. Barbara always provided unconditional love and support and a Christ led example as a parent, grandmother and NaNa. She loved to garden and was an avid reader.

A public funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 31st at noon at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Altoona. Cemetery committal will be private. Arrangements by Santella Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to the Altoona Public Library 1600 5th Avenue, Altoona PA 16602.

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