Barbara A. Chamberlain of Mountain Top passed away into eternal life on March 6, 2022.
Born in Wilkes-Barre on January 12, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Guy F. and Catherine Featherstone Simms.
She was educated in local schools and was a member of the first graduating class of the newly created Crestwood High School. She earned a Bachelor's degree in English at Wilkes University, where she was editor of the college newspaper in her senior year. She earned a Master's degree in English from Wilkes University as well.
As an English teacher, Barbara was employed for thirty-one years by the Wilkes-Barre Area School District at E.L. Meyers High School. During the last thirteen years at Meyers, she was also the Director of Student Activities, where her duties included planning school assemblies, graduations, and other related school functions.
Barbara enjoyed gardening, crocheting, domestic and international travel, art, music, and spending time with family and friends, especially her three grandchildren. She was also a voracious reader.
Her brother, Larry Simms, preceded her in death.
Her husband of forty-seven years, John C. Chamberlain, also a retired English teacher at Meyers High School; daughter Catherine Wotring and her partner Brian Lanham of North East, Maryland; daughter Ellen Pettenato and her husband Rob of Clark, New Jersey; grandchildren Tyler, Morgan and Parker Pettenato; brother Guy Simms and his wife Pat of Nuangola Station; sister-in-law, Maureen Chamberlain of Hanover Township; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends will miss her very much.
Barbara's family is grateful for the compassionate care she received from the staff members at Geisinger Hospital, John Heinz Rehab Center, Fresenius Kidney Care, and Allied Services Hospice.
Celebration of Barbara's Life begins Wednesday, March 9, 2022 with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday, March 10, 2022 in the Church of Saint Jude in Mountain Top.
Donations to St. Jude's Building Fund in Mountain Top, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or SPCA of Luzerne County are preferred and will honor Barbara's memory.
Share memories and condolences with Barbara's family at
www.mjmclaughlin.com