Carol Barr

On Monday October 6, 2025 Carol Barr, 89, of Tinicum Township, Pa, passed away in the same way that she lived; peacefully at her home and on her own terms, exactly how she wanted it.

Carol grew up strong in a tiny home in Pennsville, NJ. The daughter of George and Olive Krough, and one of 10 children. The bond that she shared with her siblings was awe inspiring. Having access to love that deep and unconditional was the foundation of her sensitive heart. Her early years were not the easiest, but the resilience and grit that she earned from her childhood would turn out to be the greatest gift she could give her 6 children and in turn every generation that follows. She was tough as nails with a tender heart.

It was in Pennsville, New Jersey the summer of 1953, when Carol's life would change forever. Carol was the queen of the roller skating rink and that day she went to the rink to meet up with her friend Ruthie and meet Ruthie's Navy boyfriend. Unbeknownst to Carol, a fellow Navy buddy tagged along that day and when Pat Barr, Sr. locked eyes with Carol it was love at first sight. Her skates didn't make it onto her feet that day, but Pat made sure to put a ring on her finger and marry the love of his life the following summer in June of 1954. Their love only grew when they started a family, raising their 6 incredible children in Tinicum Township, Pa. Three daughters whom they adored, Kathy (Wayne) Szynal, Karen (Chuck) Owens, and Joanie (Chuck) Cook, and three sons who they were endlessly proud of, Pat Jr. (MaryJane), Stephen (Pamela), and Kevin (Melanie). Carol devoted her life to raising her children and helping turn her husband's dream of owning his own business (Pat's Transmission's) a reality. While she was humble and wouldn't take credit for the business' success, Pat had no problem making it known that none of it would have been possible without her, and that same sentiment was shared when they spoke of their greatest accomplishment, their children. Pat Sr. would be the first to make sure everyone within an ear shot understood "that was all Mama! She did it all for those kids!". She raised her 3 daughters and 3 sons to respect the value of hard work, to never take the easy way out, and to live by the golden rule of treating others how you want to be treated. You were expected to match the effort that was being modeled, because to appreciate the life you have, one must understand the hard work and sacrifice that it takes to build and maintain it. It is that perspective that shaped her 6 children into the incredible people they are today.

She continued to do it all for her 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was being a part of each and every one of their lives, and as you can imagine that was a full-time job. But there was no one better equipped for making an army of children feel like they are individually the most special person walking the earth, than Carol Barr. She didn't miss a thing. Truly. She was at every event, game, birthday party, dance recital, graduation, she was there. Front and center, lit up from the inside, reveling in the joy of watching her babies do their thing. She put in the effort to make sure you knew you were loved, and there was no greater feeling in the world than knowing that MomMom was proud of you. It also didn't hurt that she loved an entertaining production. It didn't matter if it was a 4th of July parade, a casino comped concert (which she would say they owed her far more than concert tickets since the slot machines are obviously rigged!!) or an impromptu karaoke performance at the family Christmas party, her enthusiasm and awe was the same. She would beam with pride and loved every minute of it.

Carol embodied the phrase "respect the process". She appreciated the calm that came from structure and order. She created systems in every aspect of her life and she held herself accountable to seeing it through. She wasn't in the business of frivolous oversights, she was a woman of integrity. Some might say her systems were a tad rigid, for instance the Bath Towel System. It was well documented that there is only one correct way to fold a bath towel (in thirds) and much to her dismay her "students" produced an alarming amount of incorrect ways to fold and put away said towels. You may think this is a simple system to master and replicate, but Carol did not grade on a curve, and her linen closet pass fail rate was humbling. While she may have been a stickler for her systems, it was really a lesson in respect. She wasn't shy about her standards. She communicated them clearly and held others accountable for their actions in the same way she did herself. She didn't see confrontation as threatening, but a necessary element of a healthy relationship. Her willingness to be temporarily uncomfortable, taught us that self abandonment in exchange for momentary comfort was non-negotiable, and that holding yourself and others to high standards is a direct reflection of self respect. These values are what made her the trustworthy and dependable cornerstone of her family.

Carol was a gorgeous woman inside and out. Her crystal blue eyes could tell a story without saying a word and her laughter filled a room with joy. She was complex in all the best ways. Funny, fierce, loyal, assertive, gentle, confident, quiet, incredibly generous… she truly had it all. If you were lucky enough to be loved by her, you were lucky enough. When she loved, she did not hold back, and you knew she always had your back no questions asked. Over the last few years following the devastating loss of her husband of 68 years and beloved daughter Joanie, she has been held up by the love of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her dear brother-in-law Robert. While the heartbreak she carried was deep, she was eternally grateful for those who continued to show up for her in her time of need. She was one of a kind and we are all infinitely better because of her. We will miss her more than words can say, but find immense peace and comfort knowing that she is reunited with the love of her life Pat Barr, Sr., her beautiful daughter Joanie Cook, and all of her loved ones that she missed so much.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you honor Carol's memory by cracking open a caffeine free Pepsi, indulging in a cream-filled donut, and giving a telemarketer a piece of your mind. If you're feeling up to it, it is also encouraged to share your experience in a Facebook post in all CAPS LOCK to really drive it home.

Preceded in death by the love of her life, husband of 68 years Pat Barr, Sr., beloved Daughter Joanie Cook, son-in-law Wayne Szynal, her parents George and Olive Krough, siblings Sally, George, Joan, Joy, Bobby, Steve, Mike, Freddy, and Jerry. Sister and Brothers in law George Barr, Lois Harrell, Mary Ramos, Joan Desiderio, Tony Desiderio, John Barr, and Janice Turnier

Survived by her adoring children Kathy Szynal, Karen (Chuck) Owens, Chuck Cook, Pat Jr. (MaryJane), Stephen (Pamela), and Kevin (Melanie), her biggest fans and favorite buggers her 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, and her loving brother in law Robert (Sally) Barr. She was also a loving Aunt to many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and a treasured friend to many.