Vandergrift's 1st female mayor remembered for her dedication, kindness and work ethic

A former Vandergrift mayor and longtime Leechburg Area School District educator is being remembered as a dedicated servant in two neighboring communities.

Barbara Jo (Sendry) Turiak died on June 20, 2023 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was 70.

Turiak lived in Vandergrift for more than 19 years, often referring to the borough as ‘her town’ and had an open door policy for her constituents.

She defeated incumbent Lou Purificato for the Democratic Party nomination for Vandergrift mayor in 2017.

Turiak was Vandergrift’s first female mayor, serving four years in a job she took very seriously, said best friend and neighbor Anne Stefanik.

Stefanik said she’s still reeling from the news of her close friend’s death.

“I’m just devastated. Every time I turn around I expect to see her,” Stefanik said. “She was a great neighbor. She was good-hearted and would help me with anything I needed.”

Turiak was born in Harrison, the daughter of the late Ernest E. Sendry and Betty Ruth Sendry, who lives in Apollo.

Turiak graduated from Clarion University and earned a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and worked as a reading specialist for 35 years at Leechburg Area High School.

Never calling herself a politician, Turiak drew on her years serving on local, state and national committees when she was a teacher.

She was a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Vandergrift Councilwoman Marilee Kessler praised Turiak’s steadfast commitment to the Vandergrift community, even though Turiak hailed from Leechburg.

“When Mr. Rogers told us to “find the helpers” I think he was talking about Barb,” Kessler said. “It was a blessing to know, hang out with and work with Barb, both as a friend and colleague. She was always reachable and listened to and heard our residents and business owners. She was a gentle and, at the same time, a strong force for our community.”

Vandergrift Council president Kathleen Chvala said the news of Turiak’s death was unexpected.

“We didn’t see it coming,” Chvala said.

“She did a great job as mayor. She was down there everyday. She really enjoyed marrying people,” Chvala said. “She’s missed and is gonna be missed— our hearts are broken.”

Chvala said Turiak was hoping to land a spot on council this fall and ran as a write-in candidate in May.

“It would have been nice to have her on council,” Chvala said.

Turiak was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan, even naming her cat Qvist after former Penguins player Patric Hornqvist.

Qvist has been adopted by Stefanik.

“I’m going to take care of Qvist. He was her pride and joy. He’s not going anywhere,” Stefanik said.

Leechburg native Albert Trombi knew Barbara for 15 years and described her as a unifier.

“She was always there and ready in case someone needed assistance. She tried to bring everyone together,” Trombi said. “She was a good lady and I’ll miss her.”

Former teacher colleague and Leechburg Area High School learning support teacher Michelle Ferretti taught in the room next to Turiak for more than a decade.

“She was very committed to the students, the district and always involved in the extra-curriculars, even breaking her foot one year playing volleyball participating in the Kings Of The Court school fundraiser benefiting We Serve First Foundation,” Ferretti said. “She was instrumental in union leadership and was president of our union, Leechburg Education Association. Whatever she was doing, she was giving it her all.”

Trombi said Barbara taking trips to casinos and traveling regionally to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins play.

Burial will be private.

A public memorial service will take place at a later date and will be announced when available, said Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center.