Barbara J. Runz

West Shokan-

     Barbara Jean Runz, 78, of W. Shokan died Tuesday Aug. 15, 2023 at the Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston.  She was born Nov. 16, 1944 in Jersey City, NJ daughter of the late Robert and Mildred Hoolan Runz.  She was a graduate of DePaul H.S. in Wayne, NJ and Caldwell University in NJ.  Barbara was an elementary school educator for 33 years with the New Jersey Riverdale Board of Education.  Barbara had a strong 'sense of community' exemplified by her volunteer efforts as Captain of the Milton, NJ 1st Aid Squad, and member of their Fire Department, to her continued commitment as a member of the Olive Fire Dept.  Additionally she volunteered with the community action Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.  Barbara loved animals, and made a home for many over the years.  She was an avid NY Jets and Yankees fan.  She enjoyed many global travel adventures with her sister.  Family was paramount to Barbara.  She offered her time and talents as a caregiver for elderly parent as well as other extended family.  She was devoted to her nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Barbara was a licensed wedding officiant, and had the extraordinary opportunity to marry two of her nieces!  She always made the time to be present for them.

     Surviving are her sister Dorothy Runz, brother Robert ( Valerie) Runz, nieces & nephews: Robb, Christopher, Jennifer, Allison, Melissa, and Kaeli, grand nieces & nephews: Madeline, Michael, Annie, R.J., Ella, Brooklyn, Matty, Cora, and Sienna.  She was predeceased by her nephew Michael in 2001.

     A Service to Celebrate the Life of Barbara will be held on Saturday at 10am at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia.  Burial at the Mt. Pleasant Rural Cemetery.  Friends will be received on Friday from 3pm to 5pm at the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be scheduled to take place in New Jersey.  The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Olive Fire Dept.  You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Barbara's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com

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