Barbara Ann Feltenberger

Erie - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Barbara A. (Werts) Feltenberger on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She passed peacefully at home.   She was born July 25, 1936, the fifth of seven children to Gertrude K. (Swift) and Lawrence J. Werts, Sr.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 63+ years, Richard E. Feltenberger, Jr. who passed on December 5, 2023.  She is also predeceased by a brother-in-law, Jack (Elsie) Feltenberger and by all of her siblings:  Gertrude (Jim) LaFollette, John (Doris) Wertz, Naoma (Dan) Kitts, Lawrence (Caroline) Werts, Jr., Janet (Gene x 2) CavnaSmugeresky and Sara Spiker.  One brother-in-law, Chuck Spiker, survives, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.  Barb is further survived by her three children: Edd (Kerry) Feltenberg, of Mesa, AZ, Don Feltenberger and Sue (John) McNally of Erie, PA.  Five granddaughters also survive:  Faith, Isabel, Peyton, Gracie and Doni Feltenberg of Mesa, AZ. 

Despite being born legally blind, our mother was able to navigate the public school system.  She was always motivated to do her best.  She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, in Camden, NJ.  After graduation, she worked at Overbrook School for Blind Children in Philadelphia.  She also worked at Camp Marsala during the summers.  She loved all of the children and they loved "Miss Barbara."

While working in Philadelphia, she met her future husband, Richard, who was attending Penn University.  They were married in 1960.   She, then, began her true calling as the most devoted wife, mother and homemaker.  Although our mom never wanted to be the center of attention, there was never any question of the vital role she played in our family.  Our home was always a calm, loving, safe and fun place to be.  Hot meals were served every evening.  Our mom enjoyed her day-to-day life with her best friend and sister-in-law, Elsie, living next door.  They would alternate hosting holiday meals but Mom would always make the pies – just one of her culinary talents.

Her greatest joy was spending time with family, near and far.  She especially treasured visits with her siblings throughout PA, NY and NJ.

Surely, our mom had a bad day now and then, but we never knew it.  She was always happy and even-tempered.  She had the most genuine compassion for others. Her pure heart was evident to anyone who interacted with her. In addition to having the sweetest demeanor, she always maintained the utmost integrity.  

Our mom enjoyed a full life, with no hospital visits in the last 40 years!  We believe her calm and positive outlook on life, contributed to her good health. Although Alzheimer's eventually took its physical toll, she continued to know her family and appreciated all visits, calls and notes read to her from Facebook.

As usual, Mom chose to follow Dad's lead and donate her body to science, also.  Her only request, for her ashes, was that they be kept with Dad's.

Our mom will be sadly missed by all who knew her.  As her honored children, we will do our best to carry on her spirit of unwavering kindness and perseverance.