Obituary of Barbara Jean Moran

Barbara Jean Moran (Nicholls), 81, of Red Bank, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2022.

Born on Long Island, NY to the late William and Bernice Nicholls she grew up in Old Westbury, LI before moving on to school.  Barbara was a graduate of Finch College and Marymount College, where she studied art.  Barbara lived in many places throughout the country before returning to the East Coast in 1988. 

After raising her four children, she went to work for many years for the towns of Madison and Morris Plains as a paraprofessional.  In retirement, Barbara, a devout Catholic, spent years and countless hours as a volunteer making rosaries for her church.

Happiest when near the sea and beach, she lived near the shore much of her life. Cape May was among her most favorite of those places, and in part for its Victorian homes. Her love of those homes led her to design, build and decorate an intricate Victorian dollhouse complete with furnishings, wallpaper, light fixtures and even working electricity.  It was a creative labor of love for which she’ll always be remembered. Artistic, like her mother before her, she crafted, painted, and did the most beautiful, colorful, intricate needlepoint designs.  

Selfless, Barbara would do anything for anyone, always sacrificing herself. She loved the near-lost art of penning handwritten letters and cards. Always so thoughtful, and thinking of everyone, she never missed sending a birthday card to those she knew.  What Barbara loved most were her family and her friends. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Just being near them all, watching them grow, and making sure to be part of the things they were doing in their lives was very important to her. And to them. She was adored by her grandchildren.

Though gone too soon and too quickly, her life was well-lived. Her final days were spent surrounded by those that loved her.

She was predeceased by her son, Joseph O’Brien III.

Barbara is survived by two daughters, Karen Ortley and her husband, Fred, Meaghan Grettano and her husband, Christopher, and son, Michael Moran.  She is also survived by her brother, Bill Nicholls; sister, Lyn Stamm; and six grandchildren, Liam, Madeleine, Anna, Luca, Anthony, and Jasmine.

A private graveside service will be held in February.

For online condolences to the family, please visit www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com