Barbara Klein O'Rorke

Barbara Jean (Klein) O’Rorke, formerly of Toms River and Manchester, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2022, in Medford, NJ. She was born in Somerville NJ on December 3, 1930 to Emil F. and Elizabeth (Hankin) Klein. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 37 years, Norman Westin O’Rorke and grandson Jonathan Daniel. Barbara was the devoted mother to sons, Daniel, and his wife Kay, (Columbus, Ohio), and Timothy, and his wife, Karen, (Medford, NJ). She was the beloved grandmother to Matthew, Catherine, Ryan, and Caroline O’Rorke. She is also survived by her brother, Donald Klein (Vonore,TN), her niece, Mary Louise Klein (TN) and her nephew, Michael Klein (CO).

Barbara graduated from North Plainfield High School (1948) and the former Trenton State College (1952), where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. She began her teaching career as a Kindergarten teacher in the Plainfield Public School system for 6 years. After moving to Toms River, she began teaching at the Westminster Nursery School where she became a much loved teacher. She served as Head teacher for 21 years, and also served as an assistant teacher. She continued teaching there, until her retirement in 1993.

As an experienced and respected educator, Barbara generously provided valuable guidance to parents and teachers. Her philosophy on early childhood education was to encourage young children to try many things, whether or not they succeed. She believed they should always be encouraged to feel good about themselves and be willing to try again after failure. She believed parents should take time to listen to children and explain. Let children be themselves and avoid planning every minute, so that children have quiet times to entertain themselves without the TV. Hundreds of children were fortunate to have Barbara as their teacher.

While raising her two sons, Barbara was involved in many different organizations to benefit the community. She served as a President of the West Dover PTA, and was involved in many groups at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River. At PCTR, she served as a member of Session and choir, as a church school and vacation church school teacher, and past president of Presbyterian Women. As a longtime member of the church choir, she had the opportunity to sing in churches and venues throughout the United States and Europe. She loved to travel and enjoyed many adventurous trips. Some of her travel destinations included China, Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii, Scotland, England, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Northwest National Parks, Northern Mexico and Copper Canyon, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. She was young at heart and loved to learn, attending many Elderhostel seminars including visits to Native American reservations and preparing floats for the Rose Bowl parade in California.

Barbara was a member of PEO International, a philanthropic organization to promote the advancement of women; She served as President of chapter AL, Toms River. She also enjoyed square dancing with her husband, as a member of Star Thru Squares, and attended numerous conventions across the country. She was a member of the Beachwood Yacht Club, and enjoyed many sailing adventures with her family and friends on their boat the “Zephyr”.

Barbara relocated to Leisure Village, Manchester, NJ before moving to the Medford Leas Retirement community in Medford, NJ. She was an active member of the chorus there and participated in many activities. She was well known for her sweet personality and positive attitude. Much loved by the staff and residents, Barbara was always lending a hand to decorate, make crafts, and assist other residents when needed. She loved playing games and was a talented seamstress, quilting and sewing many projects for family and friends.

Barbara was a proud “Jersey Girl” and loved going to the shore, especially her family vacations to Stone Harbor in the summer.

A life well-lived, Barbara was loved by all who were fortunate to know her. She left a light on the world that will continue to shine for generations.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 6, 2023, 10 a.m. to noon at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, 1070 Hooper Ave., followed by a memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.