Barbara MacNicol Hambright

Barbara Jane MacNicol Hambright, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the age of 81.

“Barb” is survived by her daughter Gail Hambright of Wilmington, DE; son Stephen Hambright and his partner Christi Rafferty of Sanford, NC; son James Christopher Hambright and his wife Shawn of Glassboro, NJ; and sister Peg MacNicol of Portland, OR. Also surviving are Barb’s three grandchildren, Alexandra Camac and husband Dylan, Nicholas LaPanne, and Victoria Clark and her husband David; and three great-grandchildren Boyd, Cameron and Dawson.

Barb was born on March 8, 1944 in Wilmington, Delaware. She graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in Wilmington in 1962, and University of Delaware in 1966 with degrees in English and Languages.

Upon seeing her three children safely into the world of middle school—undeniable proof of her patience and perseverance—she shifted her focus from noise to numbers, building a career as a general and tax accountant. Alongside her husband Jay, she co-owned and operated Harting Graphics, Inc. (formerly Harting Sign Company), successfully transforming it from a traditional sign shop into a modern graphics firm that kept pace with the rapidly changing technologies of the 1980s and ’90s.

After selling their stake in Harting Graphics, they moved to Berlin, Maryland, where life slowed down a bit. True to form, Barb kept busy managing the books for Sunsations, one of the largest beachwear and souvenir chains in Ocean City. Even in this new chapter, her steady work ethic and attention to detail never wavered.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Quietly introverted, her warm heart and light sense of humor shined through once you knew her. She possessed a fierce sense of family, and the ability to express her convictions thoughtfully, articulately and lovingly. If you needed her, she showed up without hesitation—steady, caring, and ready to help. Her love, kindness, and commitment to her family and friends will forever remain a cherished part of her legacy.

Please join us in your brightest colors for a “formally informal” celebration of Barbara.

Saturday, December 6, 1pm at Buena Vista. 661 S. DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the National Aphasia Association, an organization dedicated to guiding research, promoting awareness and providing education for both the patient and those who interact with them - a topic that Barb was particularly passionate about in her later stages of life. To learn more, visit https://aphasia.org/ways-to-donate/

Arrangements entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home, P.C.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.meyersfh.com