Barbara Lea Jenkins died on July 20, 2022, at home, comforted by her family. She was 70. Barbara has been a resident of Independence, NJ since 2021.

Barbara was born in Paterson, NJ and raised in West Paterson, where she enjoyed a childhood surrounded by siblings and her cousins. She earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Montclair State University and worked at New Jersey Department of Human Services for many years.

Barbara met her late husband Alfred at a party, where they discussed baseball, a passion of both. They wed on September 9, 1972, had 3 children, and ultimately settled in Landing, NJ (Roxbury Township) in 1978. Barbara left her position at the State to care for her children. She returned to work at Succasunna Nursery School in Roxbury around 1990. She started off part time eventually becoming director of the school for the last years the school was in existence. She loved the job and the friendships she made with coworkers, and was saddened when the school closed.

Barbara was a knowledgeable and passionate sports fan, rooting for the New York Yankees, and New Jersey Devils hockey team. Music played a role in her life since she was a child. She had a vast love of all different genres and performers of music. Among other things she enjoyed reading. Barbara enjoyed her family vacations to Cape Cod. She and her husband were the happiest there. She had many dogs that she enjoyed throughout her life. As an adult she usually had at least two dogs in her home.

Mostly she was known for her great sense of humor, her interest in politics, and her love off family. She was the person who was tough enough and strong enough to raise her children alone after the sudden death of her husband. Barbara dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. Barbara cannot be replaced, she was uniquely strong, and ultimately a person that will be dearly missed.

Barbara was a devout Roman Catholic her entire life. She was an active parishioner for most of her adult life at Our Lady of the Lake in Mt. Arlington, NJ.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Alfred (1996), her father Charles (1981), her mother Catherine (2013), and mother-in-law Catherine (2003).

She is survived by her son Conor (wife Caitlin) of Coconut Creek, Florida; son Padraic (wife Lauren) of Hackettstown; daughter Eavan (husband Craig) of Independence; her three beloved grandchildren Aubrey, Keira, and Bennett; brother Charles (wife Barbara) of Glen Ridge; brother Michael (fiancé Francine) of Caldwell; sister Cathy (husband Peter) of Little Egg Harbor; 4 nieces; her best friend of over 60 years, Geraldine Portello of Greensboro, NC; and her dog, a Redbone Coon Hound, Mack.

As we say goodbye. She has “slipped the surly bonds of earth ; to ;touch the face of God.”

A visitation will be held at the Cochran Funeral Home on Monday. Hours 2-4 and 7-9. Location is 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 11am at Our Lady of the Mountain on 2 East Springtown Road, Long Valley, NJ 01853. Interment will follow at Bloomfield Cemetery on 383 Belleville Ave,Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Barbara would appreciate donations to either the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to the Vietnam Veterans of America, in remembrance of her 1st cousin who was killed in Vietnam fighting for our Country.

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