Barbara Jean Biroscak Dunst
Barbara Jean Biroscak Dunst, 62, of South Strabane Township, died Monday, August 29, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
She and her husband, Brian, of 38 years, raised four beautiful and independent children. Together, she and Brian built a wonderful life of marriage and family.
Barbara was a volunteer in her children’s schooling, from John F. Kennedy Catholic through Trinity High School. She was an enthusiastic supporter of their athletic pursuits, but always stressed education first. She shared her sense of wonder for the natural world with her children through her passion for geology. Vacations were frequently built around geologic destinations including Yellowstone, the Southwest, Alaska, and even a geologic tour of Iceland. She took every opportunity to visit awe-inspiring National Parks; she explored 25 and most recently visited Acadia National Park.
Barb was a generous host and would open her home to everyone.
She was an avid baker and made her family’s traditional nut rolls every Christmas. Barb and Brian would host pool parties for all of their children’s sports teams. She also nurtured her children creatively with summer reading club, crafts, and science experiments. She enjoyed biking with her family, kayaking throughout Pennsylvania, and hiking wherever her travels took her. And she always made sure her backyard bird feeders were full.
Professionally, Barb was a PA licensed Professional Geologist and AIPG Certified Professional Geologist. She was a member of the PA Council of Professional Geologists (PCPG) and served on a number of committees, spoke at industry events, and mentored young female geologists. She also served on the Board of Directors and as president of PCPG for two terms.
Not only was Barb very active in geologic professional organizations, she wanted the next generation to have an appreciation and life-long fascination with nature. She was a long-time volunteer coordinator of the Washington County Children’s Groundwater Festival, often roping her children in to volunteer as well. Barb was most recently working for Musser Engineering of Central City, and previously worked for EQT and Moody’s and Associates.
She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she met her husband. Her generous spirit will live on with those she encountered personally and professionally.
Because of her, Barb’s children are strong and independent; she encouraged them to find their own paths and pursue their passions. She loved to travel and especially loved to visit with her kids who live in California, Florida, Colorado, and New York.
In addition to her husband, Brian, Barbara is survived by her children, Michelle, Matthew and wife Amanda, Kathleen, and Kim; her siblings, Dennis Biroscak, Joan Cranor, and Robert Biroscak; and many nieces and nephews.
Additionally, she generously donated vital organs to give the gift of life as her final act of service.
A memorial fund is being established, in her honor, by the PA Council of Professional Geologists, 116 Forest Drive, Camp Hill, PA 17011. For more information, visit www.pcpg.org/Dunst.
Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 1, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 2, in Immaculate Conception Church, 119 W. Chestnut Street, Washington.
Interment to follow in Washington Cemetery.
A guest book is available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.