Obituary of Barbara Cifrese

Barbara Ann Bell Cifrese passed away peacefully at her home on November 1, 2024, four days shy of her 96th birthday. Born in Orange, New Jersey on November 5, 1928. She was the daughter of Wilson and Martha Bell. Growing up in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio, she met the love of her life, Leonard, and married in 1950. Barbara and Leonard lived in Morris Plains, New Jersey where they raised 5 children. Barbara moved to Frederick, Maryland in 2015 where she lived until her death.

Barbara had a great love of children, having worked as a preschool teacher for many years. Barbara enjoyed singing, reading, theatre, music, and lively conversation. She was a long-time parishioner of St. Virgil's parish in Morris Plains, New Jersey and enjoyed the Prime Time Club through the church. She joined St. John the Evangelist church in Frederick when she relocated to Maryland.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Leonard. She is survived by her son Leonard, Jr. (Chipper) of Charleston, South Carolina; son David and his wife Marianne (Mimi) Meidl of St. Cloud, Minnesota; daughter Martha (Marty) and partner Tom Dawson of Frederick, Maryland; daughter Cynthia (Cindy) and her husband Rod Fizz of Shillington, Pa and son John Rocco (JR) and his wife Daniella of Rye, New York. A worshipped Grandmother and Gigi, she leaves six grandchildren: Megan, Joseph, Alison, Laura, Nicholas and Amber and 8 (soon to be 9) great grandchildren.

A private family viewing will take place at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 118 E. 2nd St. Frederick, Md. 21701 on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11:30 A.M. A burial ceremony will take place at Holy Rood Cemetery, 61 Whippany Rd, Morristown, New Jersey on Tuesday, November 12 at 11:00 A.M. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com