Ohio Living Blog

February 2026 Resident Spotlight: Andy and Barbara Vaxman

Written by Ohio Living Mount Pleasant | Feb 14, 2026 5:15:00 AM

Andy and Barbara Vaxman’s love story began with a blinddate and grew into a marriage that has spanned nearly seven decades. Theymet in Berea, Ohio, shortly after Andy returned home from the Korean War, whenBarbara was working at his sister and brother-in-law’s bakery. One date quietlybecame a lifetime together.

Andy built his career at NASA and Ohio Bell beforeretiring in 1992 at the age of 58. Barbara was a full-time, stay-at-home momand later worked as a trainer and lecturer for Weight Watchers International. Theyconsider their greatest accomplishment to be their three children, Scott, Kellyand Meg.

The Vaxmans lived in their Strongsville, Ohio home for 60years. In November 2023, with encouragement from their children, they chose tobegin a new chapter closer to their daughter Meg in Liberty Township. They havecalled Ohio Living Mount Pleasant home for over two years and describe it asthe right place for this stage of life.

Barbara elaborated, “Andy enjoys having a gym just acrossthe street, and I appreciate never having to cook again! We have made wonderfulfriends, and we are safe, so very safe. There are so many activities here! Youcan be as busy, or as lazy as you want.”

A fun aside about Barbara: she has five tattoos! She gother first one at age 60, a reminder that new experiences can begin at any time.