Barbara Ann Brubaker Despard, enjoyed the beach, gardening

Barbara Ann Brubaker Despard, 79, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, surrounded by her family at Hospice & Community Care. She was born in Lancaster, Pa., daughter of the late Theodore L. Brubaker and Martha Elizabeth Groff Brubaker. She was the loving wife to Turk (Victor R. Despard III) for 58 years of marriage.

Barbara is a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School. She attended Chatham University for three years and then attended Millersville University, where she received her bachelor of arts degree. She received her master of science in counseling from Villanova University. For most of her career, Barbara was a dedicated counselor at Lancaster/Lebanon/Harrisburg IU before working at Lancaster Country Day School until her retirement in 2009.  

Barbara played competitive tennis and racquetball, and most recently, pickleball. 

She was an amazing gardener, loved walking on the beach but most of all Barbara enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. 

Barbara volunteered her time at the Lancaster Community Gallery, where she was the head of docents, and J.E. Fritz Elementary, where she served as the head of the volunteer committee.  

In addition to her husband, Barbara is survived by her son, Victor Boyd Despard (Megan O’Brien); her two daughters, Elizabeth Louise Despard Guida (Steve Caldwell) and Mary Allison Despard (David Ratner); eight grandchildren, Lindsey Nicole Guida, Natalie Meredith Guida, Kai Despard Ratner, Keegan Despard Ratner, McCaffrey O’Brien Despard, Bridget Kerwick Despard, Joseph Boyd Despard and Hill Patrick Despard. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Brubaker Garman Miller. She was preceded in death by her brother, George Theodore Brubaker.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barbara’s Memorial Service at noon, Saturday, Aug. 19, at Lititz Moravian Congregation, 8 Church Square, Lititz, Pa., with Rev. Mark V. Breland officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until noon. Interment will be private in the family plot at Lititz Moravian Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, consider making a memorial contribution in Barbara’s name to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Visit Barbara’s Memorial page at TheGroffs.com.