CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Barbara Woolam

Even if you only met her once, you’d have a story; Barbara would do anything to get a laugh. People loved her instantly and she made friends wherever she went, but she was really meant to be a mother. Hardly ever a reason to raise her voice, since her “mom look” was legendary. The kids knew they had to get their act together or they might find themselves ducking a flying shoe. Of course, they all relied on her wisdom: “This too shall pass.” If not her advice, they’d be seeking out her cooking; spaghetti and meatballs and roast beef to die for. When she bought a computer, she spent most of her time online hunting down more recipes. As a mom-mom, she took it to the next level. The mom-mom that never missed an event. The mom-mom who inspired a grandson to tattoo her image on his arm. QVC stock plummeted this week. Barbara was sly with her orders; she’d have them delivered to a neighbor’s house or have her granddaughters conspire with her to hide purchases. Of course, she never got too attached to anything she bought; if you complimented her sweater, she’d give it to you. Barbara was honest to a fault: in an interview for a marketing job with Texaco, she was asked about her five year plan. Rather than make something up she said she didn’t have one. The interviewer shook her hand and offered her the job on the spot. Barbara spent all her summers at the Jersey shore, including many seasons at Ocean View Campground. She eventually moved down the shore in a house just outside of Sea Isle City. Barbara had a bit of a sweet tooth; L&M Bakery, Fudge Kitchen in Ocean City, Butter Creams from Duffy’s or Aunt Charlotte’s, Chocolate Milk from Sunnyside Farms and of course Boost.
As a teenager, the pretty girl caught the eye of a handsome guy one day at Olympia Lakes. John devised a plan to ask Barbara to dance at the next Riverside Fire House Dance. That dance led to a romance for the ages; the Swamp Poodle boy holding hands and walking the Avenues girl to Riverside High every day. They’d share a 59-year marriage, and “all because two people fell in love” were blessed with 5 children, John Jr (Kris), Jim (Amey), Holly (Jason), the late Jason, Kelly (Mike) and later by grandchildren Lindsey (Kyle), Mark (Amanda), Matthew (Liz), Kate (Dave), Olivia, Lillie, Mabel and a great granddaughter on the way, Charlotte. Barbara was predeceased by her father and mother, Harry and Lillie Elliott, brothers Harry, Jack and Richard and sister Jean.
Family and friends will celebrate 75 great years at an upcoming celebration of life service.