Barbara Jeanne Dakin

Barbara Jeanne Dakin, 93, of the Green Ridge section of Scranton, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at The Gardens of Green Ridge with family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald Dakin, who preceded her in death on January 5, 2018, after 64 years of marriage.

Born in Scranton, Barbara was the daughter of the late James and Dorothy Goodall. She graduated from Scranton Technical High School and Keystone Junior College. She began a career working as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone Co. before leaving the workforce to devote herself to raising her children. Though she stepped away from formal employment, Barbara dedicated countless hours to volunteer work, often in leadership roles, and was an active member of Elm Park Church for many years. She was especially proud to have played a key role in founding the Bread Basket of NEPA in 1984. Later, she returned to the workforce as an admissions receptionist and switchboard operator at Moses Taylor Hospital.

Barbara's independent and adventurous spirit showed itself early. At just seven years old, she traveled solo by train from Scranton to Los Angeles, where she and her mother lived with relatives for several months and where Barbara briefly attended grade school. Her social nature was a constant throughout her life. As a teenager, she won a popularity contest and was crowned "Miss Green Ridge." In early adulthood, she was a member of the Junior Century Club.

Barbara's gift for bringing people together was one of her most enduring qualities. She took great joy in hosting gatherings at her cherished Chapman Lake cottage and, later, in the backyard of her home, where her swimming pool became the centerpiece of many celebrations. She loved the beach and especially treasured family vacations in Ocean City, Maryland. Her legendary ability to swim without ever getting her hair wet was a source of amusement and affection for those who knew her.

Above all, Barbara's deepest devotion was to her family. She cared for her son Robert with tireless love and strength after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in his teens, giving him a life filled with dignity and warmth. Her unwavering commitment to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was the heart of who she was.

She is survived by her son Alan Dakin, Sr. and his wife Barbara of Dunmore, PA; her son Robert Dakin of Peckville, PA; her daughter Donna Schroeter and her husband James of Peckville, PA; her grandchildren: Christina Dakin and fiancé Jawann Bowie of Los Angeles, CA; Alan Dakin, Jr. and partner Kathleen Lavelle of Lock Haven, PA; Paul Dakin and wife Jaclyn of Hamlin, PA; Dustin Schroeter of Dickson City, PA; Brittany Schroeter and partner Jeremiah Burdick of Scranton, PA; and John Schroeter of Peckville, PA; as well as her great-grandchildren: Gage Schroeter, Ava Luciano, and Max Luciano.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Gardens of Green Ridge for their compassionate care. We are also especially grateful to Kathleen Dakin, whose frequent visits and loving care-especially during Barbara's final days-brought comfort and peace to both her and to us.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Duffy and Snowdon Funeral Home.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 5, at Noon at Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home, 129 Grant St, Olyphant, PA.

Family and friends may call from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Interment will follow at Valley View Memorial Park in Scott Township.