Barbara Wanda nee Wurmser Lauer, age 91, of Piscataway, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, she was raised in both Bogota and Warren, New Jersey. In 1954, Barbara and her family settled in what was then known as New Market—now Piscataway—where she remained a proud and rooted resident for more than 70 years.

After graduating from North Plainfield High School—at a time when Warren did not yet have its own high school—Barbara moved to Texas with her husband, who was serving in the U.S. Army. While he was stationed there, she made a home for them before he was later deployed to Germany. During that time, Barbara returned to New Jersey and eventually settled into the life and community that would become her lifelong home.

In the early years of her marriage, Barbara dedicated herself fully to raising her children. Once they were older and more independent, she began her professional journey. She started working at HOB Chevrolet in Plainfield—later known as Chevrolet City—where she remained until 1976. That year, she began working in clerical administration for AT&T, a position she held with dedication until her retirement in 1999.

Barbara was formerly affiliated with Our Lady of Fatima in Piscataway. Her truest expressions of care came through her cooking and hosting—particularly during Thanksgiving, a holiday she turned into a family tradition. With the help of her loved ones, Barbara prepared and served meals for gatherings that often included more than twenty guests. She passed along her recipes, skills, and a sense of kitchen confidence to her children.

Barbara’s artistic side began early—during her childhood in Teaneck, she studied ballet at the Hayden School of Dance and Performance, an experience that left a lasting impression on her sense of grace and poise.

A creative and inquisitive soul, Barbara enjoyed sewing her own clothing and working on needlepoint projects. She was also a devoted gardener and a lifelong history enthusiast who found joy in visiting historical sites such as Jockey Hollow and Washington’s Crossing. But perhaps nothing captivated her more than the sight of a lighthouse. Though not fond of getting in the water, Barbara loved spending time down the shore—especially in Cape Cod and Ocean Grove—where she could admire the coastline and take in the beauty and symbolism of the lighthouses she cherished.

Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband, William R. Lauer (1998), and her sons, Bradley V. Lauer (1991) and Richard S. Lauer (1999) and her brother Paul Wurmser (2019). She is survived by her son, Gregory Lauer, and his wife, Karen; her siblings, Donald Wurmser and his wife, Carol and Linda Wurmser; along with three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069, followed by a 12:00 PM service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Stirling, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

100 Commons Way

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

www.srasnj.org