Barbara J. Andrus

She was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 20, 1934 and was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Kathleen Jowaisas; her son, Michael Walton Andrus; her brother, Joseph Jowaisas; and her grandson, Kyle Andrus.

In 1951, she graduated from Suffern High School and in 1955 earned her nursing degree from Plattsburgh State Teachers College in New York. For many years, Barbara worked as a school nurse at the Essex Fells School and in the Fairfield School District in New Jersey.

Barbara was a member of St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Virginia and part of the volunteer group who helped design the St. Bede Columbarium there. She also volunteered at Williamsburg’s Sentara Hospital.

She liked to read, garden and watch the birds. An amazing party organizer and hostess, she loved to entertain guests and family. She loved dancing and was still tap dancing holding her walker only weeks ago.

Her husband, Whit, was the love of her life. They would have been married for 69 years on September 15 this year. She adored visits with her grandchildren, even going to Water Country USA with them. Her great-grandchildren always put a smile on her face.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Whitney Andrus; sons, Christopher Andrus and Timothy Andrus (Wendy); daughters, Barbara Bradley (Michael), Jennifer Reynolds (Jack), and Mary Vassallo (Michael); grandchildren, Lindsay, Michael, Katherine, Devon, James, Thomas, John, Connor, Casey, Corinne, Matthew, Nicholas, and Allyson; great-grandchildren, Luke, Liam, Caiden, Emery, Scottie, Michael, Evie, and Jax; siblings, Robin Jowaisas, Vickie Jourdan, and Peter Jowaisas; and a host of nieces and nephews she held dear to her heart.

A mass will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188.