Barbara Quarles Harper

Barbara Quarles Harper died peacefully at home on July 31, 2025, at age 96. Born in Boston and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Barbie attended Dana Hall School and then Smith College. She was married to the late Rev. Dr. John C. Harper, longtime rector of St. John's Church, Lafayette Square, for 49 years. She was a patron of the symphony and supporter of numerous charities. She was particularly devoted to St. John's Church and to Canterbury Cathedral in England. She served for many years as a tutor as well as a teacher of children with learning disabilities at The Lab School of Washington. An enthusiastic and adventurous traveler, she held a special place in her heart for the family summer home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She was an exceptional hostess and flower arranger, a natural athlete who rode bikes and played tennis well into her 80s, and an unconditional supporter of her 10 grandchildren. Barbie's positive outlook and cheerful demeanor were admired by her many lifelong friends. In addition to her grandchildren, she is survived by her three children, Debby Hailey of Rockville, Maryland, Jeff Harper of Savannah, Georgia, and Betsy Danello of Washington, D.C., and nine great-grandchildren. A service in celebration of Barbie's life will be held at St. John's Church, Lafayette Square, on September 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a reception in the Parish House to follow.