Barbara O'Leary

Born in Manhattan on March 16, 1939, Barbara was raised in Astoria, Queens where she resided until she moved to New Jersey in 1960 with her husband Neil to raise her family, first in Ridgefield Park, and then for most of her adult life in Bergenfield, New Jersey. There she raised 3 children, Chris, Carolyn, and Tricia who were the light of her life. At least until her grandkids were born, who were more than just a light; they were also another way for her to show her love of family

Barbara had a tough childhood, and she always strove to provide her kids with the things she didn’t have, specifically a stable homelife with parents who loved them. Her kids never lacked for what they needed, whether it was material items or love, affection, and support. The kids received it all and then some.

Growing up around Barbara, you learned certain things. First you knew that family mattered most of all. The one thing you did not do was to do any injustice real, or sometimes only perceived to her kids. Barbara certainly knew how to battle on their behalf, and she did on more than one occasion. It didn’t matter that maybe it embarrassed the kids.

You also learned that those closest to her who were not blood may as well have been. Till the end she would talk about her many friends from Astoria, Bergenfield, and Whiting and the memories always brought a smile to her face. She was fortunate to have many lifelong friends and despite time and distance they always remained close in spirit.

After her oldest went to high school, Barbara “went back to work” as it was called in the 1970s at Lipton, then Unilever in Englewood Cliffs where she was an executive secretary for many years. Barb’s strength and smarts served her well in her position working for some of the lead executives of the company, and she spoke fondly of the relationships she forged there.

The truth is, Barbara loved life–for all of the curveballs it can throw, she bore them with strength. Barbara was a very strong willed person, and wore a certain adjective with pride.

In 1995, she found Dennis, who would be her partner in all things for the remainder of their lives. For a short time she relocated to Elmont, NY before re-settling in Bergenfield. They traveled, drank fine liquors, and spent their time doing things that neither had time for earlier in life. Dennis made Barbara happy and she him.

Together they relocated to Whiting where they spent the rest of their lives together until Dennis’ unfortunate passing in February of this year. This loss had a profound effect on Barbara, and while many friends and family members were there to support her, it was a loss that was very difficult for her to bear.

While her loss is a source of sadness for those who knew her, Barbara would want us to smile when she is thought of; there are many ways to do this, and here is one. On Saturday mornings Barbara would clean house. The whole house, including any of the residents. Console stereo blasting out Orbison or Diamond, the vacuum running, an unfortunate child beating dust out of the couch cushions–this too was Barbara.

When you think of her, think of the moments she gave to you that made you smile. That would be how she wished to be recalled.

Predeceased by her first husband Neil and by her husband Dennis, Barbara is survived by her children, Chris (Ann Marie), Carolyn Schmelz (Norman) and Patricia O’Leary (Ed). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alexa Rae, Christopher(Nicole), Brooke, Paige (Keith), Sean, and Dominic, 2 great-grandsons Darius and Christopher, and is also survived by many friends, near and far.