Barbara Joan Cannon, State Farm retiree
Barbara Joan Cannon, 86, of Frankford, passed away at home Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born March 6, 1936, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Bernard and Martha (Brady) McDermott.
Barbara was the youngest of 12 children and she lived most of her life in Wilmington. She graduated from St. Elizabeth's High School class of 1954. In 1955, Barbara married the love of her life, Joseph Cannon, and together they raised their beautiful family and enjoyed 67 years of marriage. After staying home and raising her children, she started working at a small insurance company. She then built a lifelong career at State Farm as a claim adjuster, retiring after many dedicated years.
Barbara and Joe moved to Frankford 26 years ago, at the time of her retirement. Her letter announcing her retirement stated, “I want to spend more time with my family, whether they like it or not.” Humor and laughter were always the answer. Finally, she was able to revisit her passion for raising and training dogs. She had a love for all animals, beginning with her very own dog, Pal. Barbara bought her first standard poodle, Zach, who she trained and showed which began her love for the breed. She was a proud member of the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Barbara, Grammy, GG, was a loving, nurturing, and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a huge sports fan, cheering with enthusiasm for her favorite teams, Notre Dame, Phillies, Eagles and Sixers. Time spent with her loved ones was cherished above all, and their beach house was always bursting with love and family. She will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know her.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Joe Cannon; her children: Patrice Smith, Barbara Denney (Jerry), Joseph Cannon (Kim) and Susan Felicia (Tony); her grandchildren: Jaclyn (Matt), Barry, Matt (Kristin), Erin (Christian), Jerry (JeniLee), Blair (Nicole), Jordan (Nicole), Jensen, Dalton, Meghan (Lenny) and Dylan (Vickie), stepgrands, Brian (Cordrey), Carrie (Dave), and Heather (Derek); 18 great-grandchildren (19th is on her way); and her beloved dog, Rosie.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Corinne, Patty, Chaplain Etter and Jessica of Delaware Hospice for their care and compassion for Barbara. A special thank you to Dr. Kristine Griffin for the many years of care and support not only for Barbara but the connection to our family as well.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 27, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, 34874 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Delaware Veterans Cemetery, 16669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, Ocean View.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Visit Barbara's Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
