Barbara Searing Gilanyi

BARBARA SEARING GILANYI, on July 17, 2013. Barbara was called Home by the Lord, after her battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Her loving husband was at her bedside. Barbara was born in Montclair, NJ and grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ. Her parents were the late Ralph and Marion Searing. Barbara attended Wittenberg University and Beaver College (now Arcadia University), majoring in Physical Education. She taught Phys Ed for several years after which she turned to teaching Early Childhood Education. She had a special place in her heart for children. Barbara is survived by her husband, Zoltan A. Gilanyi. They met while they were in college. They were married 52 years. They were each others best friend. They have two children, Brian, whose wife is Madeline; and Karen Costa, whose husband is Joseph; six grandchildren: Amanda Gilanyi Baker, whose husband is Vincent, Thomas Gilanyi, whose wife is Julia, Samantha Gilanyi, Michael Costa, Joseph Costa, and Thomas Costa. One granddaughter is expecting a baby (tests show it's a boy). She also had four nieces, three nephews, six great-nieces, and four great-nephews. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Searing and his wife, Madonna, her sister Margaret Sumner and her husband, John. She loved her family more than anything. Barbara and Zoltan resided in New Jersey until they retired, at which time they bought a house in Florida, but retained their "summer home" in New Jersey. She attended Lakes Community Chapel in Medford, NJ and Friendship Baptist Church in Sun City Center, FL. Barbara was active in organizations in New Jersey and Florida; some of them were Pinelands Christian Women's Club, Life Keepers, Daughters of the American Revolution, Women's Club of Sun City Center, Cat Fancier's Club, Sew and Sew Club. A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2013, from 5pm to 7pm, at the Mathis Funeral Home, 58 N. Main Street, Medford, NJ. A service will be held at 7pm, at the Funeral Home. Burial will be the next day at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 1 East Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ, scheduled for a 12 noon arrival. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Barbara's name to Lakes Community Chapel, 24 Taunton Blvd., Medford, NJ 08055, is suggested.