Barbara Alice Proven

Born on July 5, 1935 in pre-air conditioned Philadelphia, to Raymond and Alice (nee Long) Morris and Barbara Alice thrived. She was the oldest of her siblings, Raymond Morris (Monica), Judith Wittock (Theodore), Alice Ballet (Fred) Steven Morris (Debbie), and Paul Morris (Phyllis).

Barbara graduated from Roxborough High School in 1953 and then went on to attend Trenton State College. In 1955, she married David A. Proven. Along with David, Barb, a Mary Tyler-Moore doppelganger, raised five rambunctious, curious and creative children who sorely tested her immense patience and fortitude. Barbara, never Babs (except for Glenn), was an immaculate homemaker who strived to make a happy home for her family in Levittown and then Langhorne (now Feasterville-Trevose).

Barb invented 'magic pajamas', painted furniture and worked out with Jack LaLane. She excelled at all the challenges her family presented, learning to ski alongside her kids and planning numerous camping adventures. Barb even became a Girl Scout Leader to fulfill her daughter's wish to be part of a troop. She liked to dance, even chaperoning a few Neshaminy High School proms with Dave. She took up tap dancing while in her 60's.

Professionally, Barbara worked as an administrative assistant for various Temp Agencies, as well as ETS and Langhorne Gardens Nursing Home. She loved helping young families find their first home as a real estate agent. She retired from State Farm Insurance.

Barbara was a voracious reader, enjoying book groups and the friends she made there. She enjoyed traveling, touring the country with her family, the world with Dave, and the trips with her friends in the Weekenders Group. She took care of her health, enjoying classes at the YMCA, taking walks and utilizing the Silver Sneakers videos on her computer.

Despite Barbara's diligence in exercise and a healthy diet, she suffered a heart attack in 2020, worked hard at her rehab and gifted us with three more years of her opinions, advice and presence. Sadly, we said 'goodbye' to Mom on June 25th, her wedding anniversary.

We would like to thank the incredible nurses and doctors at SMMC, Cardiac CCU, especially Jeff Leporati who worked hard to fulfill mom's wishes and make her comfortable on her last night on earth. We are also grateful for the support of Meg Hughes, who really helped us through this trying time.

Barbara leaves behind her children, Robin Axe (Robert), April Whitley, David B. Proven (Lisa), Glenn S. Proven (Sheila), and Bruce A. Proven; her 12 grandchildren, Lisa Ogburn, Michael Ogburn (Jennifer), Michelle Thouvenin (Brad), Daniel Ogburn (Jessica), Samantha Whitley, Ellen Whitley, Ross Whitley, Zachary Schwoyer, Dana Proven, Christopher Proven (Ashley), Jessica Yoo (Andrew) and Michael Alturo; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

We'll miss you Mom, say 'Hey' to Frank Sinatra and give Dad a hug for us.

A memorial gathering for Barbara will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barb's name to the Salvation Army or Guardians of the National Cemetery, PO Box 233, Newtown, PA 18940-0233.