Barbara J. Malone, age 88 of Wilmington passed away peacefully surround by her family February 4, 2021. Barbara was born in Camden, NJ to the late Louis J. Jennis and Louise J. Jennis, and grew up in Collingswood, NJ.
Barbara was a parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Parish from 1969 until her death. While at St. Mary Magdalen’s she was the Sacristan and also worked with the Church Environment from 1969 to 2002. She was the Coordinator of Liturgy from 1984 to 2002. Barbara was a Lector and Minister of Holy Communion – President of St. Mary Magdalen Parish Council and H & S Association. Reading Mom, Math Tutor, Lunch Duty Mom, and Homeroom Mom while her children went through the school. Barbara also received the Bishop’s Merit Award for service to St. Mary Magdalen Parish.
Barbara was a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Chair of Stational Liturgies for the Diocese from 2000 to 2015. She went on to handle the Environment for the Cathedral and the diocesan functions in 1999 and 2000. A member of the Diocesan School Board, and also a member of the Pastoral Council from 1980 – 1983 and again from 1998 to 2000. She was an Executive Officer on the Pastoral Council in 1999.
In 2003, Barbara was surprised to receive the St. Elizabeth High School Alumni “E” Award for service to the high school for nearly 40 years, even though she wasn’t an alumnus.
One thing Barbara wanted people to know was that she really liked all the people that she met and worked with at St. Mary Magdalen Parish & St. Elizabeth High School, as well as the Diocese of Wilmington. I never minded hard work and found joy in the work and in the people that I met along the way. Most loved and best part of my life, wife to Jim and Mom to our nine Malones – The very best part of my life!
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband Captain James E. Malone, Jr USN-Retired in 1996, her son J. Michael Malone in 2020, parents Lou & Louise Jennis, brother and sister-in-law Louis W Jennis and Lucille Jennis, Parents-in law Jim & Anna Malone and sister-in law Patricia Malone. She is survived by her children, Barbara M Malone, Stephen Malone, Robert Malone (Lib), Jean Wilson, Patrick Malone (Joe), Christopher Malone, Mary Reinhardt, and Philip Malone (Mykal), and two nieces.
The services will be held at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808 and the interment at All Saints Cemetery. The services and interment are private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the PKD Foundation. The website is: https://support.pkdcure.org.
