HEGARTY
Hegarty, Barbara J. (nee DeMercede), age 76, on February 17, 2025, of the Belmont Village section of Philadelphia, PA, formerly of Overbrook Farms.
Barbara was unconditionally kind and compassionate, a beacon of light and matriarch to all—committed to providing continuous love and support to her family, friends, community, and strangers. Her instincts were to help others in any way she could. A gentle soul that one rarely meets, also known for her candid nature—her advice on life was always what one needed to hear. She endured many of life’s challenges with fortitude and grace, inspiring many who crossed her path, and brought out the best in anyone she touched. She had multiple interests, including a love for nature, an enthusiasm for the arts, and writing ingenious poetry about people. She had a passion for music, in particular playing the piano, introducing it to her children.
A graduate of DePaul University and the Catholic University of America, Barbara dedicated her professional life to serving others. A nurse for nearly 50 years, her legacy lives on in the hearts of the patients she cared for, the colleagues she has mentored, and the countless individuals she inspired to enter the field.
Barbara loved everyone she met and everyone loved her. Survived by her children, Michael J.S. (Ranee), Joseph J.F. (Jane), Patrick V.J., Marian J.A., and Catherine T.L., predeceased by their father Michael P. Hegarty, and also survived by 6 grandchildren; Maya, Barbara, Michael, Anika, Bella, and Oscar; her brother, Joseph (late Mary Ellen) DeMercede, her sister, Madelaine (late Carmen) Pacella, her late brother, John DeMercede, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives & friends are invited to her Viewing on Friday evening, February 21st from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at The D’Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA19008, and to her Funeral Mass on Saturday morning, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m at Our Lady of Lourdes, 6301 Woodbine Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, 1600 Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA 19064.
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