Obituary of Barbara Ann Duggan
Barbara Ann Duggan, affectionately known as “Cricket,” passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025, at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey. Born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, she was the beloved daughter of the late Milton (Pete) and Joan Peterson.
Barbara was a graduate of Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, NJ, and Misericordia University in Dallas, PA, where she earned her degree in Foods and Nutrition. Shortly after graduating, she began her career as a dietician at JFK Medical Center, where she dedicated over 20 years of her professional life to helping others.
Barbara’s greatest joy came from giving to others. A selfless and compassionate woman, she devoted countless hours to volunteering for various organizations. She was active for over 12 years on the St. Joseph High School Mother’s Club, serving multiple terms as president. Supporting the Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Parish, she played a vital role in organizing church feasts and school events. She managed the OLF school lunch program and assisted with the Fishes and Loaves Café to ensure those in need were cared for. She enlisted her entire family in her volunteer efforts, instilling in her children a deep sense of generosity and responsibility to help others.
Her love for animals and creative passions were well known. She used her creativity to bring comfort to others, knitting countless lap blankets for nursing home residents and handcrafting over 750 rosary beads, which were donated to missions around the world.
Barbara’s greatest passion in life was her family, and her heart belonged to her children. She was the center of their universe- the ultimate soccer mom- fully embracing her role with love, enthusiasm, and an unwavering commitment to their happiness and success.
The kitchen was Barbara’s happy place, and she found great joy in preparing meals and baking treats for family and friends. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always the first to lend a helping hand. Her beautiful smile could light up a room, and her courage and determination in the face of chronic illness were an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her laughter, incredible sense of humor, and, most of all, the love she so freely gave to everyone she met.
She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, James Duggan, and their four children, Christopher, Tyler, Kyle, and Emily Duggan. She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Pamela Borek, her husband, John, and her cherished aunt, Barbara Aszuk.
Family and friends are invited to honor Barbara’s life at a memorial gathering on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung, with interment at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Jersey State Organization of Cystic Fibrosis in Barbara’s memory by visiting: NJSOCF
