Barbara N. Booth

Barbara N. Booth, 89, entered God’s eternal care on Saturday, June 22, 2019.  Barbara was born in Scranton, PA, to the late Emmet H. and Mary K. (Hill) Norton.  On June 26, she would have turned 90 years old.  She attended school in Scranton where she was active in dramatics, chorus, and cheerleading, and then went on to earn a B.A. in Education from the Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 1950.  It was at PSU where she met John E. Booth.  Barbara taught elementary school in Short Hills, New Jersey for two years, and then in 1952, John and she wed; this October they would have celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Barbara is survived by her children, John Booth, Jr. (Alexandra Smith) of Castle Rock, Co., Molly Olshefsky (James) of Lansdowne, PA; her grandchildren, Caleb Olshefsky (Kaylah) and great-grandson, Judah, of State College, PA, and Monica Olshefsky of New York, NY.  She was predeceased by her daughter, Katherine Foster.

After marriage to John, she fulfilled her dream of being a homemaker and mother.  Active in many areas of church life, she was a Sunday School teacher, and started a Prayer Shawl ministry at First United Methodist Church of Lancaster.  She volunteered at Lancaster General, and founded the Auxiliary at Homestead Village.  An active golfer at Conestoga Country Club, she enjoyed planning luncheons and golfing events.  Music was always an important part of her life, and she enjoyed writing lyrics to songs appropriate to various gatherings.  She and John owned Ely Associates, and she was a vital part of that company for fifteen years until they retired.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Lancaster, 29 E. Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 3pm.  A time of fellowship and greeting the family will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Barbara to The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, 625 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603.