Barbara E. Lafferty

Barbara E. (Bryner) (Burd) Lafferty, 84, of Cumberland, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home on January 2, 2026. Barbara entered the new year by going home to heaven, celebrating New Year's in the presence of her Lord.

She was born on April 21, 1941, in Chalk Hill, PA. Barbara was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was deeply rooted in her faith, her family, and a lifelong passion for learning and service.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Allen Lafferty and her children: Leda Bryner; Luke Bryner and his wife, Lorrie; Lori Bryner Reeder and her husband, Stuart; Patty Waggett; Samantha Burd; and Atlantis Burd. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Alexandria Bryner (Brandon), Shane (Tricia Penwell), Warren (Haley Schomer), Seth (Rohwen Firestone), Rickie (Bryan Raffle), Libby and Christian Bryner, Michael and Jonathan Reeder, John and Mike Waggett, and Carson and Emery Kishel. Barbara was a proud great-grandmother to Brystol and Lainey Bryner. She is also survived by her nieces, Jill and Amy, and her sister, Phyllis Mountan, and Phyllis's husband, Leo.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Nora Barclay; her husband, William Burd; and her mother-in-law, Thelma Burd.
Barbara dedicated more than 40 years of her life to elementary education. She earned her teaching certificate and master's degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania in California, PA. Later in her career, she obtained certification as a Reading Specialist from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, reflecting her deep commitment to helping children succeed.
A lifelong learner, Barbara loved reading and embraced challenges with confidence, believing no DIY project was ever too difficult. She found great joy riding Paso Fino horses on her beautiful farm in Farmington, PA.
Barbara was a faithful member of the Church of God in Markleysburg, PA. For 25 years, she hosted a vibrant Bible study in her home, sharing her faith, wisdom, and hospitality with countless friends and neighbors.
Following her retirement from teaching, Barbara continued her life's calling of caring for others by opening her heart and home to foster children. She fostered more than 50 children and adopted three of them, leaving an enduring impact on many young lives.
Barbara also had a deep love for animals. She raised chickens, and her farm was never without dogs and cats. She firmly believed that every child should grow up with a pet. Barbara enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places and sights, especially alongside Alan Lafferty.
Barbara's legacy of love, faith, service, and learning will live on through the many lives she touched and the family she cherished.

Visitation will be held in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, HOPWOOD, PA on Thursday January 8 from 4-8pm. Additional visitation will be held on Friday January 9 from 10am until the hour of the funeral service at 11am with Pastor David Herring officiating Interment will follow in Sunset View Cemetery.