Anna Edith Barger, daughter of Berthold and Anna Klein, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 22, 1922. She passed away June 19, 2022 surrounded by her family at almost 100 years of age. In her long life, she was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many who loved her across time and along generations.
Anna grew up in Philadelphia and developed an inseparable bond with her younger brother, Bernie. In 1944, she corresponded with a Naval Radioman named James ‘Jim’ Barger. The pair soon fell in love and were married in June of 1946. They settled in an Elkins Park, PA home built entirely by Jim. This is where they began a family with the births of two daughters. Although Jim tragically died in 1962, Anna steadfastly continued to raise their children with the help of family and friends. In later years, her married daughters blessed her with grandchildren and Anna chose to be known as ‘Mom-Mom’. She became an integral part of her five grandchildren’s lives, and her home was the heart of many fond memories. She remained in that house until moving to Bayville, NJ in 2010, where new memories were lovingly created as her family continued to grow.
Although forced to endure many hardships, Anna’s immense capacity for happiness was reflected in her love of music, dancing, reading, dogs, cats, horses, going for walks, telling stories, playing Bingo and the lottery, and the magic of Christmastime. She was a proud member of the Girls’ Friendly Society and Monday Club, as well as a deeply spiritual Episcopalian. She adored rocking and singing babies to sleep, and was also known for never turning down a sugary treat with a cup of tea. Most of all, she derived endless joy from spending time with family and friends.
Everyone that came to know Anna’s kind heart, gentle personality and wonderful good humor ultimately thought of her as their ‘Mom-Mom’ as well. As she touched our hearts deeply, as deeply will her absence be felt. She truly was one-of-a-kind.
Anna leaves behind two married daughters, Dianna Laux (Ernst, Jr.) and Carolyn Baratta (Mark); her grandchildren Ernie (Lauren), James (Alison), Monica (Josh), Melissa (Corey), and Matthew (Melissa); and many great-grandchildren.
“I was lucky to be with you all, and I loved you all.” – Mom-Mom
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 4pm to 8pm and Friday morning from 8:30am to
9:30am at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St, Toms River. Burial will follow at Lawnview Cemetery in Rockledge, PA at 12:30pm
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to www.seeingeye.org or Christ Episcopal Church,Toms River in memory of Anna.
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