Barbara "Marna" Binder's Story
1928 - 2025
Age 97
Media, Pennsylvania
Barbara Powell "Marna" Binder, 97, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, in Media, Pennsylvania. A woman of remarkable talent and enduring spirit, Barbara’s life spanned nearly a century and was marked by creativity, elegance, and deep devotion to her family and faith.
Born on February 8, 1928, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the daughter of Robert C. Powell Sr. and Ella Bischoff Powell. She was raised in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1946, where she was honored as the school’s first May Queen. Her early love for music led her to study as a music major at Elmira College for a year and then further her training at The Metropolitan Opera in New York. She later pursued her artistic interests at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women.
A gifted singer and pianist, she appeared on Broadway in the 1947 revival of Victor Herbert’s “Sweethearts.” She continued to perform with regional groups including the Players Club of Swarthmore, The Brandywiners, and the Rose Valley Chorus—most memorably sharing the stage with her grandson Ryan in the 2005 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel.” Her voice also enriched the choir of Media Presbyterian Church and later the choir at Lima Estates Retirement Community.
Barbara’s passion for high fashion extended beyond her music and theater career. Her professional journey in fashion retail began as a Fashion Coordinator for Strawbridge & Clothier in Philadelphia. After marrying Russell W. Binder in 1950 at Springfield Presbyterian Church and raising their children, she returned to the workforce with grace and style. Her career included positions at The Media Village Shop, The General's Lady Boutique in Chadds Ford, and The Bag Room at The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City. She also worked as a freelance model in local fashion shows and later represented Chanel of Paris as a fragrance sales representative and floor model at several Strawbridge & Clothier stores. During this time, she also competed in the Pennsylvania Mrs. America Pageant.
A talented visual artist, Barbara painted seashore scenes inspired by Ocean City, New Jersey. Her artwork was featured in boardwalk exhibits and a solo show at Lima Estates Retirement Community. Several of her prints were collected by admirers who appreciated her distinctive coastal imagery.
Barbara was also an avid sports enthusiast throughout her life. As a child, she played sandlot baseball and football with neighborhood friends and later competed in field hockey and basketball through junior high into her mid-30s with Philadelphia Women’s Field Hockey and Basketball Clubs.
In later years, she became a champion tennis player at Wallingford Swim & Racquet Club and through Ocean City’s recreation program. Her enthusiasm for athletics extended to cheering on her grandchildren’s and great-granddaughters’ sporting events—and she remained a loyal Philadelphia Eagles fan who never hesitated to toss a football around well into her later years.
Her vibrant spirit was grounded by her deep faith. After settling in Media with her husband Russell, Barbara became an active member of Media Presbyterian Church for 75 years. Her warmth, kindness, and compassion reflected her enduring spiritual commitment.
Barbara is lovingly remembered by her daughter Susan Sciarra; her son Ronald Binder and daughter-in-law Ann Binder; her grandchildren Stephanie Sciarra Truitt, Ryan Binder (Kate Boschen Binder), Rory Binder (Sarah Cardwell Binder), and Reed Binder (Katherine Cleveland Binder); her great-granddaughters Annabelle Truitt, Abigail Truitt, and Scottie Anne Binder; her nephew Robert C. Powell III (Lynn Powell); and her niece Christine Powell.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Russell W. Binder; her parents Robert C. Powell Sr. and Ella Bischoff Powell; her brother Robert C. Powell Jr. (Margie Powell); and her son-in-law John Sciarra.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Avenue, Media, PA. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. A private graveside service will be held thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Media Presbyterian Church in memory of Barbara and Russell Binder.
Barbara Binder lived a life filled with artistry, grace, faith, and love. Her legacy continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring comfort and joy to those whose lives she touched.
Arrangements provided by. Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home. 15 E 4th Street Media, PA 19063
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