Barbara Ann Elward, 85, of Berkeley Heights died peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2022, joining her loving husband of 61 years, John P. Elward, Jr., who passed away in January 2021. “Barbie” was born and raised in Newark and graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. She later received her education and certification as a medical secretary. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Barbie’s most treasured achievement was her family. After several decades of nurturing and supporting her five children and their educational, service, and social activities, she refocused her abundant adoration and loving care on her grandchildren. Together the family created some of their most cherished memories during summers spent down the shore in Manasquan and Long Beach Island.
Known for her hospitality, kindness, and culinary prowess, Barbie loved preparing food for people dear to her. She and John hosted spectacular family barbecues and took great pride in their family’s Italian and Irish heritage. For St. Patrick’s Day, their kitchen practically became an Irish soda bread distribution center. Trays of delicious home-baked Italian pastries covered every surface in their home during the holiday seasons.
Barbie is survived by her children, John Elward and his wife Kara, Kevin Elward, Alison Elward, Jaimie Mercer and her husband Galen, and Matthew Elward and his partner Stephanie Niemiec; sister, Jean Panza and her husband Joe; sisters-in-law, Marie Duggan and Frances Elward. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Sean, Mary Kate, Colleen and Patrick Elward, and Katie Niemiec; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. In addition to her husband John, Barbie is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Carmella (nee DeMunno) Ponzini; brothers, Edward and J. Stephen Ponzini; brothers-in-law, Patrick Duggan and James Elward; sister-in-law, Norma Ponzini (nee Martino); and son-in-law, Gene Crocker.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 31 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E Mt. Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039. A service celebrating Barbie’s life will be held on Thursday, September 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home followed by interment at Glendale Cemetery on Hoover Ave. in Bloomfield, NJ.
Donations in Barbie's memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or by mail at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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