Cincinnati Pays Tribute to Two Inspiring Women

Community members gather to honor the lives of two inspiring women in Cincinnati.

News Summary

Cincinnati mourns the passing of two extraordinary women, Kathleen Nelan Barrett and Liudmyla (Luda) O. Zamulko. Their remarkable legacies and contributions to their communities will be celebrated in upcoming memorial events. Both women, each impactful in their unique ways, will be deeply missed by family, friends, and students who were fortunate to know them.

Cincinnati Mourns the Loss of Two Remarkable Women

In a heartfelt moment for many, the vibrant city of Cincinnati is set to gather and celebrate the lives of two extraordinary women who left indelible marks on the hearts of their family and friends. Kathleen Nelan Barrett and Liudmyla (Luda) O. Zamulko both faced life’s challenges with grace and tenacity, creating legacies that will be cherished for years to come.

Kathleen Nelan Barrett: A Life Dedicated to Teaching and Kindness

Kathleen Nelan Barrett, who passed away on March 8, 2025, after a courageous 21-year battle with cancer, was born on February 19, 1956, in the bustling city of Detroit, MI. She grew up navigating the neighborhoods of Detroit and Southfield, where she learned the value of community and compassion from her parents, Raymond and Patricia Barrett, both of whom have sadly passed on.

Throughout her life, Kathleen faced tragedy with resilience as she was predeceased by her twin sister, Judy Barrett, and her siblings Mary Barrett Oehninger and Michael Barrett. However, she remained a beacon of love and support for her surviving brother, John Barrett, and his companion, Winnie, along with her niece Claire and nephew John. Her educational journey was impressive, earning a BA from the University of Michigan and a MA from the Sorbonne University and the University of Cincinnati.

As a dedicated teacher for over 30 years in the Cincinnati Public Schools, Kathleen influenced countless students, inspiring them to reach for the stars. In her leisure time, she found joy in cooking delicious meals, nurturing her garden, taking part in local book clubs, and ushering guests at the theater. Her kindness and ability to uplift everyone around her made her truly special, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A visitation to honor Kathleen’s memory will be held on March 13, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gesu Detroit: Catholic Church & School or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Liudmyla (Luda) O. Zamulko: A Tale of Triumph and Passion

On June 23, 2024, the community also said goodbye to Liudmyla (Luda) O. Zamulko, who left us all too soon at the age of 54. Born on March 18, 1970, in the beautiful city of Lviv, Ukraine, Luda’s journey was remarkable. Immigrating to the United States in 2000, she quickly made her mark by excelling as the valedictorian of both her high school and pharmacy school. Her academic prowess was always matched by her artistic side as an accomplished pianist and her proficiency in four languages.

Luda’s career as a doctor of pharmacy took her across three different countries, showcasing her exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Known for her warm hospitality and lively personality, she often gathered friends and family for colorful dinner parties filled with laughter and scrumptious food.

Her last years were spent in Cincinnati, where she devoted much of her time helping her daughter, Olga, and lovingly raising her granddaughters, Ludmila (Mila) and Alina. Luda is survived by her parents, her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Ryan Smith, as well as her sister Alla and brother-in-law Michael Keppen, along with niece Victoria Maksimova and her husband, Jordan Smith.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Luda’s life will be held on August 3, 2024, at Geo H. Rohde Funeral Home at 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 AM. The outpouring of love and support from the community speaks volumes about the impact both Kathleen and Luda had on those around them. Their spirits will forever remain in the hearts of many.