Obituary of Barbara Joan Macaulay
Barbara Joan Macaulay, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Warren, New Jersey. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Barbara spent her entire life in Warren, where she built a legacy of kindness, faith, and deep family values.
Barbara grew up on a farm in Warren alongside her identical twin sister, Jane, and her brother, Arthur. One of her fondest memories was from their 16th birthday when she and Jane both received horses from their father, a gift that fostered a lifelong love of animals and brought them even closer as sisters. Later in life, Barbara and her family enjoyed a memorable trip to a ranch in New York, where they rode horses together, creating cherished memories that remained with her.
After graduating from Watchung Hills High School, Barbara attended secretarial school before joining Mid-Jersey Savings Bank in Plainfield, New Jersey. She built a steady and fulfilling career there, with her work marked by integrity and dedication.
A devout Christian, Barbara’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong member of Mount Bethel Church in Warren, where her commitment went beyond regular worship. As a young woman, she helped fund the church’s handicap-accessible ramp, ensuring that others could easily share in the community she held dear. Her devotion to helping others continued through church-sponsored food drives and outreach programs. Known for her warmth and concern for others, she was always quick to ask, “Are you happy?”—a small gesture that meant so much to those around her.
Barbara loved her family dearly and cherished every opportunity to gather, especially during holidays. Her daughter-in-law Patricia introduced her to Peruvian cuisine and soccer, both of which she quickly grew to love, finding joy in sharing these moments with her grandchildren. Whether dining at nice restaurants with friends, taking family vacations, or reliving memories of a magical Disney cruise with her family, Barbara found happiness in the togetherness of these experiences.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter L Macaulay, and is survived by her devoted son, George A. Macaulay, and his wife, Patricia. She also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Cris Lopez and Kaitlyn Macaulay, her sister Elizabeth Jane Frank and her husband Richard, nephew John Walter Frank, niece Ruth Elizabeth Frank and her husband Dean Vallese, and a great-niece Erin, who will forever hold her memory close.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A second visitation will follow on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a funeral service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Mount Bethel Cemetery in Warren, New Jersey.
In honor of Barbara’s life of kindness, the family encourages friends to join in celebrating a remarkable woman whose love, generosity, and faith touched so many lives.
