Barbara Regan

Barbara Jane Regan (née Morrison), affectionately known as Barbi to her family and Gam to her grandchildren, passed away on July 12, 2019, in Oak Hill, Virginia, at the age of 66. Her life was marked by deep devotion to her family, a joyful spirit, and a generous heart that touched all who knew her. Born on June 26, 1953, in Newark, New Jersey, Barbara was the daughter of William A. Morrison and Dorothy G. Morrison. She spent her early years in Roselle Park before moving with her family to Cranford, New Jersey. She graduated from Cranford High School and went on to attend Union College in Cranford. Barbara began her professional life as a public service representative at New Jersey Bell Telephone. Her warm demeanor and strong communication skills made her well-suited for this role, where she served the public with kindness and professionalism. On July 24, 1977, Barbara married James B. Regan, MD, at St. Michael's Church in Cranford-a parish she joined after moving from Roselle Park. Their marriage was one of deep partnership and love. Together they lived in Mexico and Minnesota before settling in Virginia to raise their family. Barbara was a devoted mother to three sons: James C. Regan (and his wife Dawn S. Regan), John B. Regan, and Christopher M. Regan. Her love for them was unwavering; she dedicated herself fully to their upbringing and happiness. When she became a grandmother to Madeline and William Regan, she embraced the role of "Gam" with boundless enthusiasm and joy-building her world around them. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers John R. Morrison and William A. Morrison Jr., as well as her nephew Jonathan Morrison. Faith played an important role throughout Barbara's life. Raised Roman Catholic, she received her First Communion at St. Joseph's Church in Roselle before becoming a communicant at St. Michael's Church in Cranford during her teenage years and early adulthood. In Virginia, she remained active in the church community as a member of the Women's Group at St. Joseph's Parish in Herndon and served as a CCD teacher. Barbara had many passions that enriched both her life and those around her. She had a beautiful singing voice that brought joy to family gatherings and church events alike. Her sense of humor was infectious-her laughter could light up any room-and she had an innate ability to make others feel welcome and loved. A lifelong animal lover, Barbara grew up alongside Daisy the boxer and Daisy's pups Mugs and Junior-companions who sparked a deep affection for animals that she later passed on to her children and grandchildren. She found peace among flowers and plants through gardening-a hobby that reflected both her nurturing nature and appreciation for beauty-and music remained a constant source of inspiration throughout her life. Barbara cherished time spent near the ocean; childhood summers at the Jersey Shore evolved into treasured family vacations at the Outer Banks in North Carolina-traditions that created lasting memories across generations. Those who knew Barbara remember not only how deeply she loved but how deeply she was loved in return. Her kindness, compassion, warmth, and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to share in her life. May Barbara Jane Regan's memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire love, laughter, faith, and compassion for generations to come.