Barbara Carter Ladd

Barbara C. Ladd, 92, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on Friday, December 5. Mrs. Ladd was born in Atlanta, GA to Garnett Alonzo Carter and Marguerite Virginia Sims Carter. She attended North Fulton High School (Class of 1951), where she was the "May Queen," and St. Mary's School, from which she graduated in 1953. In 1965, she married insurance executive Joseph C. Ladd and moved to Bryn Mawr, where they spent the next 49 years until Mr. Ladd's death in 2014. Mrs. Ladd was an incredible hostess who warmly welcomed many guests, whether for business occasions or for beloved friends and family. Above all, she treasured making lasting family memories. She is fondly remembered for creating beautiful holiday dinners and traditions for her family. She meticulously planned summer activities for her children and grandchildren at her home in Amelia Island, FL that would become some of the family's fondest memories. All who knew her will miss her warmth, beautifully set table, and gift of hospitality.

Mrs. Ladd was a dedicated member of the Altar Guild at the Church of the Redeemer for several decades. She was also a member of the Philadelphia Country Club and the Amelia Island Plantation Club. Mrs. Ladd loved to knit and used this talent in service to others. For decades, she crafted and donated handmade blankets and hats for the newborns at Bryn Mawr Hospital. She loved playing bridge, especially amongst dear friends within Beaumont's retirement community. Her grandchildren, Laura L. Farber and Jeremy D. Reifinger, were like children to her, and they took especially devoted care of her in her final years. Mrs. Ladd and Jeremy bonded over many things, but no love was shared quite as strongly as their passion for the Philadelphia Eagles. Laura and Mrs. Ladd talked almost every day, and every call ended with Mrs. Ladd telling Laura she was loved. One of Mrs. Ladd's greatest joys was becoming a great-grandmother to Laura's two daughters. Her great-granddaughters celebrated a final Thanksgiving with Mrs. Ladd, helping her decorate the nativity set Mrs. Ladd bought after three years of saving her allowance during World War II.

Mrs. Ladd is survived by stepson Joseph C. Ladd, Jr., stepdaughter Barbara J. Ladd, daughter Virginia C. Ladd, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by stepdaughter Carroll Ladd Smith and son William F. Ladd.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Church of the Redeemer, 230 Pennswood Rd., Bryn Mawr, at 11 a.m. Monday, December 15. Burial will follow in the Churchyard.

Donations may be made to the Church of the Redeemer in memory of Barbara C. Ladd.