Barbara was married for 35 years to her husband, James Parola. Together, they attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for many years. Barbara loved, above all, spending time with her growing family. She and her husband loved to dance, creating many special memories together over the years. She was excellent at sewing and always enjoyed Bible study.
Barbara is survived by her siblings, brother Patrick Phelan and sister Beth Mulvey and her children, Margaret, John and Jim, Joyce Webb her sister, her sister-in-law, Maria Phelan; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Alfreda Phelan; her sister, Janice Phelan; her brother, Brian Phelan; her Granddaughter Arabella Tougas, and her brother-in-law, Ed Mulvey.
Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her love for her family, her devotion to her faith, and the special memories she created throughout her life will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May her family find comfort in knowing that the love they shared with Barbara will continue to live on through the memories, traditions, and moments they will forever hold dear. Though her presence will be greatly missed, the love she gave so freely will never be forgotten.
A Celebration of Life service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church located at 2456 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL 35071. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service to begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.
