I  am saddened to say I have not seen Barbara since our grandmother Nana Earley died in 1961.  My earliest memories of Barbara are when she lived with her sister Carolyn  and my Aunt Mary and Uncle James (my dad's  (Peter ) brother ) in NYC . she was 9 years my senior and I was maybe 10 years old.  I was much impressed by my older beautiful cousins.  I am now planning to retire to Florida with my husband to be closer to my brother Peter and sister  Jeanne. My mom is also living there.  My sister Marianne was born when Nana Earley died.  To Barbara,s  children I wish you peace and comfort during this sad time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.   Kathy Earley Mecca

The eldest daughter of James Lawrence and Mary Gale Earley, I knew Barbara first as the playful, irreverent, vivacious child and later young mother the way she was loved, admired and so often described by our aunt Mary A. Earley.  

She was born into an extended family of parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts including Mary, just five years older than she.

A half sister, 19 years her junior, I didn't come to know her personally until well into adulthood and then not well enough. Today I'm saddened by her death, but mourning more the loss of the joyful and creative spirit Mary knew and so many of us didn't. I do hope that friends and family will take some time to share their memories here - especially our cousins, her peers. 

My thoughts and prayers are with her children who,  in the way of disconnected families, I do not know. I am sorry too, that the disconnect complicates all of our grief. 

I'm grateful for Barbara's kindnesses through her own pain and loss. 

Her earliest generosity was evidenced in the photo she'd carried in her wallet for 25 years before we met. She shared the image of my mother and our father, my infant brother, her eldest two children and me. She was kind to my mother - something most young women her age would not have been. Her gift was in offering the lasting memory of my mother as a woman I never knew - hopeful and not yet broken by the weight of the decades in which I did know her. 

Her kindness extended to recent times, when she reached out to make sure I and my children were aware of her diagnosis and the familial risks associated with it.  I've little doubt that the last few months have been long and harrowing for her friends and children. You have been often in my thoughts and prayers.

Aunt Mary predeceased her by less than three months - and I've little doubt that she  - per the description she shared with her nephew a decade before - is one of those who has rushed to the door like glad children to welcome her. 

Whatever the myth that brings you comfort, know well that as the poet A.E.Houseman expressed - it is a Good night, ensured release, imperishable peace.

Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center

Barbara Earley

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

Send Flowers

sympathy and etiquette

grief library

celebrations of life

What to Say When Someone Dies

Show Your Support

Sympathy and Grief

obituary

services

memories

Obit Detail

In the care of

share to facebook

share by email

share link

Share Obituary

ideas and resources

Sympathy and Grief Mobile

OBITUARY

Barbara A Earley

27 February, 1936 – 30 September, 2015

Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services