Barbara Powers

Barbara Elizabeth Powers (nee Varlaro), 91, of the Mystic Shores Section of Little Egg Harbor, NJ passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024 peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. Born in the Bronx, NY, she spent every summer of her life, joyfully with her extended family in Beach Haven, NJ. Most of her fondest childhood memories included her mischievous Aunt Betty. After moving from the Bronx, Barbara lived in Manahawkin, NJ & then built the home of her dreams in Warren Grove, NJ. During that time she worked as the Office Manager for Stafford Township Building Department until she retired. Upon retirement, Barbara moved to Wellington, FL, where she became very active in the many Village of Wellington, Senior Center activities. She enjoyed participating in many of their Broadway Show Productions; she loved to sing so she was always an active member of the church choir since High School, when together with her “girlfriend joined so they could get out on school nights”; she loved to travel with her circle of very close friends; enjoy her swimming pool, mostly with her grandchildren; she missed the fall foliage living in Florida so always wanted to take a fall trip “someplace colorful”. Barbara was an excellent writer; so naturally she loved doing crossword puzzles & playing Scrabble with her grandchildren. In addition to these many activities, Barbara was a painter, she not only enjoyed the process but made sure each of her children & grandchildren had a unique painting just for them! One of her proudest accomplishments was the volunteer work she did with St. Vincent de Paul, helping families in need to keep their family housed, safe & fed. Later in life, Barbara moved back to NJ where she contently lived out her remaining years & finally being “Blessed with with another baby to hold” her Great Granddaughter, for the last 2 1/2 years of her life. Barbara was predeceased by her father Dominic Varlaro; her mother Susan Varlaro (nee Bernath); but her greatest loss, was losing her youngest child, Thomas Joseph Powers, Jr. Barbara is survived by her daughter Eileen Crayne & son-in-law Mitchell Crayne, daughter Elizabeth Walkinshaw, son James Powers; Grandchildren Barbara Powers-Crayne, Victoria Powers-Crayne, Luke Walkinshaw, Matthew Walkinshaw & Leah Walkinshaw; and her Great Granddaughter, Grace Powers-Crayne. Barbara is also survived by her extended family who she always held dear. Mom, you will be greatly missed but you are, once again with Tommy.