Barbara Carlin

Barbara Ann Carlin, of Potomac Falls, Virginia, passed away peacefully December 3, 2024 at the age of 95. She was born April 1, 1929 in Stamford, Connecticut to Irene and James Murphy. Raised in Glenside, Pennsylvania, with five siblings, Barb graduated from West Chester State Teachers College and became an elementary school teacher. While at West Chester she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Carlin, who became a naval officer after graduation. They married in 1953 and began a military life that took them throughout the United States and Europe. After Bob’s retirement in 1972, Barb, Bob, and their five children settled in Northern Virginia. As the children grew older, Barb returned to teaching.

Barb was a wonderful and loving Mom who delighted in spending time with her children. Although naturally shy of the spotlight, her gentle spirit, unswerving kindness, and nurturing support were always the heart of the family. As a grandmother, Barb was a doting “Grandy” who enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reveling in their milestones and accomplishments.

Barb was a devout, longtime member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Great Falls, Virginia. She and her siblings were a tight-knit Irish Catholic family who were proud of their heritage. Their large clan gathered frequently to celebrate family events, and Barb loved making annual visits to Cape May, New Jersey to visit with her sisters.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob and her siblings James Murphy, Joan Inman, Carolyn Lamey, and Eileen Pitt. She is survived by her children, Deborah Sherrill (Robert), Robert Jr. (Elizabeth), Jim (Leslie), Timothy, and Stephen (Monica); grandchildren Matthew Sherrill, Carlin Ferraro, Lindsay Carlin, Kelly Carlin, Colleen Francis, and Thalia Carlin; two great-grandchildren, Everett and Cora Ferraro; and her brother Daniel Murphy.

The family will hold a private memorial service. Barb will be buried next to Bob at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In memory of her kind-heartedness, warm spirit, and life-long love of children, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.