Obituary of Barbara Ann Bauer

Barbara Ann Bauer (nee Gaughan) of Mendham Twp, passed away on May 12^th. She was 87.

Born to Eleanor and Thomas Gaughan in 1938, Barbara was raised in Bergenfield, NJ and graduated from Bergenfield HS in 1956. She met her late husband Karl in 1957 and immediately began raising their family. After living in Fairfield, NJ in the early 60s, they moved their expanding family to Mendham Twp in 1965. For the next 27 years she raised eight children in this home, where she also resided for the remainder of her life. As her children got older, she ventured out into the workforce and was loyally employed by Burlington Coat Factory in various positions until her retirement in 2013. Burlington was a home away from home, where she left a special legacy and met significant lifelong friends. She was a professional babysitter for several local families as well, building strong relationships that were just as important to her as they were to the children she helped care for.

She instilled a strong work ethic in all her children, teaching them to be disciplined and get the job done right.  If you knew Barbara, you know she had a distinct way of proving her point. She was the Queen of “the zinger” and kept her friends and family on their toes. The role she cherished and excelled in the most, especially as she ventured into her later years, was being a loving and generous grandmother to her 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Throughout her life she faced many challenges but stayed strong and resilient. She took great pride in her home, her family, and rituals. Although she did not venture out much later in life, she loved her town and kept her Thursday hair appointments for over 45 years.

Barbara was predeceased by her brothers Thomas and Jack Gaughan. She is survived by her loving sister Maureen Filera of Bergenfield, NJ;  her children, Bob (Evey) - Old Fort, NC,  Brian (Colleen) - Sanibel Island, Fla., Sharon - Mendham Twp. NJ, Bruce (Lori) -Morristown, NJ, Karlene DiFabio (Nino) - Neshanic Station, NJ, Tracy - Basking Ridge, NJ, Nicole Burke (Bob) - Mt. Olive, NJ, Keith (Maureen) - Long Valley, NJ and 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16^th from 4-8pm at Bailey Funeral Home, 8 Hilltop Road, Mendham.  Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am on Saturday, May 17^th at St. Joseph Church, 8W Main Street, Mendham followed by interment at Mendham Hilltop Cemetery.

Memorial Donations can be made to the Mendham Twp First Aid Squad : MTFAID, Po Box 122 Brookside, N.J. 07926