Barbara Ann Fincher, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully at her home Dec. 11, 2024, with her loving daughters by her side. Born June 30, 1941, in Martinsville, Virginia, and raised in Ohio, Barbara’s life was a testament to the power of unconditional love and selflessness.
Barbara married the love of her life, Eugene Fincher, and the couple settled in Belford. Together, they created a warm and nurturing home filled with love, laughter and so many cherished memories.
Barbara was predeceased by her devoted husband of 60 years, Gene, in 2021, and is survived by their two daughters, Kimberly, wife of Kenneth Smith, of Middletown, and Starla, widow of Larry Kosiorowski, of Delaware. Barbara also leaves seven grandchildren whom she loved, adored and was so very proud of: Ashley and her husband Chris, Jessica and her husband Dan, James, Zachary and his wife Tabitha, Courtney and her husband Patrick, Dylan and his wife Amanda, and Michael, and seven great-grandchildren: Harleigh, McKenna, Bentley, Kayson, Landon, Hope Jene and Lainey. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Blankenship, and her parents, Jack and Helen Blankenship.
Barbara’s work ethic was as strong as her spirit. She dedicated 17 years of her life as an assembly worker at Lily Tulip until its closure. Subsequently, she contributed her talents to Royal Sound in Eatontown for several years. Her colleagues will remember her for her unwavering positivity and the care she brought to her work.
Her greatest pride and joy, however, was her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Barbara’s family was the center of her universe and she poured every ounce of her being into nurturing and supporting them. She was the embodiment of love and kindness, always seeing the best in people. Barbara’s absence will leave an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her family, who were blessed to have been loved by such a remarkable woman.
Barbara’s interests extended beyond her family. She was a familiar face at the VFW in Port Monmouth, where she enjoyed playing bingo up until the last week of her life. She also cherished the trips to Atlantic City she took with her husband. After his passing, her daughters continued this beloved tradition with her. These outings were not just about the games but about the joy of being together and creating lasting memories.
Those who knew Barbara would describe her as loving, kind and selfless. She approached life with a gentle heart and an open mind, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her legacy is one of compassion and generosity, traits that have touched many lives and will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Barbara’s life was a beautiful illustration of the impact one person can have on the world around them. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will live on through the love she shared and the lives she touched.
Barbara’s light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family and friends, guiding them with the same warmth and affection she provided throughout her life.
Barbara will be laid to rest along with her husband at the Brig. General William C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
The article originally appeared in the January 2 – 8, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
