Barbara E. Klapproth

Born Barbara Ellen Davern in Syracuse, NY to William Herbert Davern and Loretta (Evenhius) Davern, Barbara lived on the North side of the city in a humble, working-class neighborhood. She was the middle of 3 children between her eldest brother William Edward Davern and youngest brother John Philip Davern.

She graduated from the Assumption Catholic Academy with high honors as valedictorian of her class and was editor of the Year Book. With her father dying at a young age, Barbara shared early in the responsibly of contributing to the household working part time as a telephone operator. Being a speed reader, the work came natural to her, but more importantly sparked a lifelong devotion to connecting and helping people. She had a way about her in reaching out, listening deeply, and helping those truly in need.

She met the love of her life, her husband to be and – in her words – “Best Beau”, Herman Klapproth at a college mixer in Albany, NY. An engineering student from across the river, they forged an immediate bond, were married and spent 62 years together. Barbara’s first vocation and devotion was raising her 4 children; Timothy, Barbara L., Kenneth, Noreen and supporting her husband. She loved growing flowers from seed, played piano, loved classical music – particularly at Tanglewood and outdoor activities. Her devotion to her faith and the church entered a new level when her family became founding members of Holy Family Church in Enfield, CT where she taught CCD for many years. Returning to college after her children each reached young adulthood, she earned a degree in computer programming and worked in the insurance industry. Along the way, many new devotions entered her life as a grandmother to 8 children, a great grandmother (GG Ma) to 6, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She loved them all fiercely and relished family Christmas gatherings most.

Retirement brought her and her husband to Cape Cod where she joined St Joan of Arc Church. Quickly becoming her new home away from home, Barbara became active in many ministries – particularly those in service to the neediest in the community, Eucharistic Minister, Thrift shop, bereavement support and many others.

Outside of church activities, she was a nursing home hospice volunteer at Windsor Nursing Home for 10 years. She brought cheer to many patients but was particularly drawn to those who were alone and having no family. Struck by the connection witnessed with one of her patients, the other patient sharing the room asked if Barbara could befriend him as well after his roommate’s passing. Without hesitation, she willingly agreed.

Barbara’s life was well spent, she will be missed greatly, and her memory will live on in all that knew her.

Her visitation will be held on Friday August 20, 2021 from 9:30AM to 10:30 AM in the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, followed by her funeral Mass at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Orleans at 11 AM. Following Mass, Internment will be at Orleans Cemetery Tonset Road.

Any donations in Barbara’s name can be made locally to the Lower Cape Outreach Council in Orleans, MA.

For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com