CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Helen Barber

Her joy was contagious. When Helen laughed you could hear it blocks away; her hugs and love pulled many through their darkest hours. She had a powerful ear; you knew you were being heard by someone who cared deeply. Family was priority one: craft nights, annual trips to the Outer Banks, and girl trips with her daughters. She crafted individual relationships with her grandkids, monitoring their trials and tribulations, enjoying dress up date nights, and even checking in on their fantasy football progress. If she was out of the area, she’d most likely be with her crew of friends at Big Timber Campground or touring the country with her husband on her motorcycle. She collected people as she moved through the world, maintaining friendships that lasted a lifetime. As a mom she had boundless energy; a full-time job, 4 kids and a dog, a warm meal on the table at night and somehow always time for her kids. She made the best pot roast and stew with dumplings; her coleslaw has never quite been duplicated. She was born and raised in Gibbstown, raised her family on East Avenue in Swedesboro and retired to Woolwich Township.

A young Helen Devoy would meet her perfect foil on a blind date. She and the late Leon “Junnie” Barber shared a 61-year marriage blessed by their children, Mariagnes “Chickie” Johnson, Leon (Kim) Barber, III, Peggy (Clem) Cipparone, Jennifer (Viraf) Ranji, and bonus daughter Holly (Michael) Sparks, in addition to 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Come celebrate 88 great years Monday 5-7 p.m. and Tuesday 9-10:15 at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, Swedesboro. Interment at Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (copy and paste address: https://www.the3day.org/site/Donation2?PROXY_ID=3158494&mfc_pref=T&idb=13022814&df_id=6503&PROXY_TYPE=20&6503.donation=form1&FR_ID=2323) will be appreciated.