Barbara Lagus Kessler

On Thursday, October 5, 2017, Barbara Lagus Kessler, 77, of Harrisburg, PA passed away after a year-long battle with cancer at the Hershey Medical Center. Barbara was born on August 4, 1940, in Pottsville, PA, the daughter of the late Francis Lagus and Leona Lagus.

After graduating from Nativity BVM High School in 1958, Barbara moved to Harrisburg where she owned and operated Barbara’s Beauty Salon for many years. After the birth of her two sons, Barbara went to work as secretary to the Athletic Director at Susquehanna High School, retiring in 2004. In retirement, Barbara found her most rewarding job volunteering in the office at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the past 12 years. Barbara loved travelling with her family, especially her trip to Rome. She never missed an opportunity to visit the casino and always enjoyed helping with her four beautiful granddaughters.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Francis "Frank" Kessler, son Stephen, wife Lisa, granddaughters Isabella and Alexandra, son Richard, wife Nicole and granddaughters Lydia and Natalie, brother Karl Lagus, wife Beverly and sister Karen Huffman and husband Paul, along with nieces and nephews.

The viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street, Harrisburg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick, 212 State St., Harrisburg. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to the Central PA Blood Bank, 223 Walnut St., Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17101.