Dr. Fazio taught a class at IU entitled "Childhood Language Learning" when I was an undergrad in Bloomington. After signing up for the class, as the title entrigued me, and then sitting through my first lecture and furiously writing notes on everything Dr. Fazio had to say, I was hooked on speech language pathology. I took the opportunity to visit Dr Fazio during office hours to find out more about  speech pathology. I was an English major at the time, and decided to also pursue a pre-professional minor in speech pathology because of my new-found passion. I loved the classes Dr Fazio taught and tried to absorb everything she shared with our class. She made lectures fun by telling  personal stories and showing videos starring her own children, which really engaged me. I truly believe that HER letter of recommendation helped me get into Ohio State University's graduate program for Speech Langauge Pathology and had the opportunity to "follow" her there, as we "left" IU at the same time and "began" at OSU in the fall of 2001. She is absolutely the person I credit for introducing me to this field that I love. I decided to google her tonight and was saddened to read of her death. My deepest sympathies to your family; please know that she is fondly remembered as a talented and inspirational woman, whose passion for teaching and for children is not forgotten.

I was reading a book this weekend and saw a name that was familiar, Russell Fazio, and after some thought I remembered that was the name of one of my housemates boyfriend when I lived  at 109 Triphammer Road at Cornell.  Wondering if that might be the same Russell I googled Barbra Byrd Russell and was deeply saddened to learn of her death this summer.  My memories of Barbara was of her wonderful sense of humor, and how much she loved you, Russel,  and your mom and dad. Please accept my sympathies.  Regards, Patty Matthews

Barbara was my student, friend and colleague at Indiana University.  She understood young children and cared deeply about their welfare and growth.  I remember her as a lively person with a great sense of humour.  But the thing I really appreciated about Barbara was her intellectual creativity.  She understood  language and the role it played in the lives of young children.  Her studies of number development in children with language impairment, and her intervention studies using nursery rhymes are among the most creative, provocative and insightful studies in our clinical literature.  In 2006 I published a book about language development, disorders and therapy "Thinking about Child Language: Research to Practice".  Two chapters (26,30) in this book feature Barbara’s work and have served as models of excellence for graduate students in many universities worldwide.  I have not been in touch with Barbara for some years now; our life paths took different directions.  I nevertheless had a strong sense of loss upon hearing of her death.  Her bright, illuminating energy will be missed.
Judith Johnston, Professor Emerita, Univ. of British Columbia

Dear Russ, Lisa, Daniel and Michael,

I know that none of you will know me but I went to UCA with Barb. She was delightful, funny, smart and liked everyone. I have organized with the help of others all our reunions from the fifth until the last one -- our 35th.  I don't know any of the details of her illness, but I'm sure that she fought with everything she had, just as I did. It is heartwrenching to look at her picture and know that she is one of the "girls" that I would have enjoyed seeing again but won't be able to. Our class has had many deaths in the last few years that none of us ever would have thought possible. Illness does not discriminate. So many used to get Barb Byrne Dawes confused with Barb Byrd DeFazio. They were nothing alike in looks.they sat in each homeroom together for all 4 yrs as back then we went alphabetically.  Now,unfortunately, both have left this earth in the past year.  I, along with other classmates are saddened by this news and I want all of you to know that she, and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers today and always. The only comfort is that she is now an important angel who will always watch over you and guide you. If there is anything I can do please contact me anytime.

Russ, Lisa, Daniel and Michael,

My memories of Barb nearly all center around your home back in Bloomington (as that is usually when I would get to talk with her).  Whenever Russ would have a party (often for one of us Social Psychology graduate students, as we completed our dissertations), we would have the pleasure of Barb's company.  Her naturally outgoing personality always served as a charming counterpoint to Russ' quieter nature.  I love the photograph on this website...that's Barb...always bubbly and smiling, with a real excitement and genuine warmth in her eyes.  

I remember at one party, telling Barb about how I was touched at seeing Russ walking down the second floor hallway at the Psychology building, holding Lisa's hand and listening intently to what Lisa was saying (Lisa was probably 7 or 8 years old at the time), and how "charming" it was -- and Barb started to get choked up and smiled and with great tenderness said "Thank you."  Then I got choked up.  How she loved her family.

I remember stopping by Russ' office for a big research meeting, just as he was hurriedly bursting out the door with a look of panic and fear (completely unlike anything I'd ever seen in his face before) and I reminded him we were supposed to meet.  He said "I'm sorry, I have to go to."  I found out later, that right about then, the decision had been made to give birth to the twins early so that they wouldn't lose the smaller of the two and Russ was rushing to Indianapolis to be with Barb.  I'll never forget the look on his face... in a way, for me, no other moment captured the incredible love between them for each other and for their children, than that most frightening moment when so much was at stake.     

Barb, you are deeply loved and deeply missed.  

All of you will be in our prayers,

Rob Schuette

Dear Russ, Lisa, Daniel, and Michael:  I had the pleasure of working with Barb at both IU and OSU.  She had an incredible sense of humor and an incredible sense of life, and I appreciated her for both of these things and so much more!  I am sorry for your loss and pray that your wonderful memories sustain you through the days ahead.  Barb was a gracious and kind woman.  I know that you all were the light of her life.

Gail Whitelaw

Dear Russ, Lisa, Daniel and Michael,

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Barb's death.  We shared so many laughs and fun times during grad school.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Gospel

OBITUARY

Barbara Fazio

26 January, 1954 – 8 July, 2010

Schoedinger Midtown

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