Jean C. Barber

Jean Cannizzaro Barber, age 92 years, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, November 18, 2024, at Bel Air Assisted Living in Bel Air, Maryland.

Born in Paterson, NJ, June 26, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Raphael and Josephine (Cormaci) Cannizzaro. She had formerly resided in Clifton, NJ, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, and Long Branch, NJ, prior to moving to Maryland. 

Jean began her career as an administrative secretary at Wright Aeronautical in Lodi, NJ followed by years of raising her children and being a homemaker. She then was employed by Howard Koval Realty as a secretary and licensed real estate agent. 

Throughout her life, Jean actively participated in her Christian community. As a devout Catholic, she regularly attended mass at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ and later at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Long Branch, NJ. While attending St. Michael's she was also a member of their Rosary Altar Society and volunteered as a facilitator for the Divorced and Widow Group. 

Jean had a zest for life that was evident in her love for travel, which included memorable trips to Bermuda and Italy, and her fondness for the beach, particularly during her retirement to Long Branch, NJ. She was also a dedicated Girl Scout troop leader, fostering growth and leadership in young girls. Jean opened her home to all, ensuring that everyone was always welcome at the Barber house.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Jack C. Barber, who passed away in 2000; and her brother, Ralph W. Cannizzaro, who passed away in 2018. Her spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

She is survived by her three daughters: Jill Ruroede and her husband Jack of Havre de Grace, MD, Janet McDermott and her husband Michael of Long Branch, NJ, and Amy Bogart and her husband Robert of Accident, MD. Jean's legacy continues with her five grandchildren, Matthew McDermott, Nicholas Ruroede and his wife Daryl, Jeffrey Bogart and his fiancé Marissa, Rachel Tonn and her wife Bridget, and Jeremy Ruroede and his wife Casey.

A visitation will take place on Sunday afternoon, November 24, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 PM at Costa Memorial Home, 170 Central Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following morning, Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 218 Washington Place, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604. Interment, with her late husband, will immediately follow the funeral mass in Cedar Lawn Cemetery, 200 McLean Boulevard, Paterson, NJ 07504.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amedisys Hospice Care at www.amedisys.com or by making a check payable to the Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70816. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. A special thank you to both McComas Family Funeral Home and Costa Memorial Home for their assistance as well.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit Jean's memorial page and guestbook below at www.holcombefisher.com.