Barbara Ann Young, 92, passed away peacefully at home Jan. 12, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Buffalo, New York. Her childhood homes included Buffalo, Kankakee, Illinois, and Pittsburgh.
She attended St. Lawrence University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. There she met Jay Perkins; they married and had four children, Tom, Bill, James and John. The family eventually moved to New Jersey.
Barbara and Jay divorced and she married John Young in 1967. With John, she had a fifth child, David. She and John enjoyed a wonderful 42-year marriage until his death in 2009.
She and John enjoyed traveling the world, sailing as members of Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club, golfing, playing paddle tennis, and figure skating. But spending time with her family and friends was her greatest joy in life.
Barbara and John were members of the Sea Bright Beach Club for 50 years. In her twilight, she spent 12 years volunteering at the emergency room at Riverview Medical Center, where she made many new friendships.
Barbara had the perfect blend of kindness and discipline and was a remarkable mother. She embodied grace, dignity, courage, and strength, making her a perfect role model. These qualities afforded her many close friendships that lasted for decades. Barbara will be missed by many, especially those who were lucky enough to be her family.
She was predeceased by her husband John Young and two sons, Tom and James Perkins, and daughter-in-law Aggie Perkins (Tom’s wife). She is survived by her sons, Bill Perkins and wife Liz Anne, John Perkins and wife Susan, and David Young and wife Cathy. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Linda Perkins (James’ wife); four grandchildren, Emily Perkins and partner Dan East, Owen Perkins and wife Margaret, Katie Jensen and spouse Cole, and John Young; and three great-grandchildren, Axel and Ayla Perkins, and Obsidian Perkins East.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. March 6 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Little Silver. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local food bank, Planned Parenthood (plannedparenthood.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the January 29 – February 4, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
