Barbara Ann Chester

Barbara Ann Chester (Nanny), 82, died on Thursday, January 11, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on September 26, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY to Rose and Jack Lambertson. At age 12, Barbara was welcomed into the loving family of the late Anna and John Denesopolis where she gained 3 brothers and a sister. She worked at Sears, which is where she met the love of her life, the late Michael J. Chester. They were married in Brooklyn in June of 1962. In 1968 they bought their home in Jackson, NJ where they raised their family. She also worked for Union Carbide and Lakewood Answering Service, both located in Lakewood, NJ.

In 2011 Barbara and Michael moved along with their daughter Debbie, her husband Wayne and their two children to Toms River, NJ. In 2020, after Debbie’s death, Barbara, now widowed, moved to Brick, NJ to live with her daughter, Barbara Ann, her husband Rich and their two children.

Barbara had many talents: she was a great cook, she sewed, made clothes, played softball, and was extremely handy with tools. She was known for her love of bingo, the lottery, movies, and snacks. She always had a beautiful smile, a magical hug, and great advice. She was also very faithful and prayed her rosary daily.

Her life was very hard at times especially with the losses of three of her children and her husband, but she was tough. Barbara earned the nickname “Energizer Bunny” from her doctors because of her ability to keep fighting despite her declining health. She was special, possessing many talents and gifts, and was a blessing to her family. Barbara liked to be affectionately known as Nanny.

She was predeceased by her husband: Michael J. Chester, and three of her children: Michael J. Chester Jr, Peter D. Chester and Deborah H. Goodwin, her 2 great granddaughters McKenna Jean and Maeleigh Belle Chester.

She is survived by her two daughters: Barbara Ann Eisenstein and husband Richard of Brick, NJ and Karen M. Kash of Brick, NJ, her daughter in law; Stacy and husband Paul Benish of Mt. Laurel, NJ, Brother in law; Wayne Goodwin (Kate) of Lakewood, NJ. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Christopher(Sherry), Michael (Gabby), Nicole(Brandon), Alex, Mara, Chelsea, Britney, Isabelle, Sarah, Melanie and Paul. As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends she considered family.

A visitation for Barbara will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. A Funeral Mass will take place on January 19, 2024 at 12:00pm at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 43 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701, Barbara will be laid to rest at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, 1 Honey Locust Dr, Lakewood, NJ 08701.