Barbara Ann Ronnholm

Barbara Ann Ronnholm (nee Volk), age 87, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 4, 2021 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Barbara was born in Teaneck and raised in Jersey City. She was primarily nurtured by her precious mother Henrika Volk (nee Kullberg) and Henrika’s four sisters – Allyce, Isabel, Irene and Theresa. She was extremely close to all of them and would often affectionately refer to her mom, aunts and uncles as “the village that raised her.” Being an only child, she was extraordinarily close to her cousins and recounted many stories of their summers together and working in Uncle Dick’s flower shop. Her mother and extended family always exuded a spirit of optimism which made a great impression on Barbara and became one of her most endearing qualities throughout her whole life. Her childhood was blessed by a loving and truly supportive family.

After graduating from Snyder High School in Jersey City with the Class of 1953 Barbara found administrative employment with various companies in Hoboken. She would look back on those days of early adulthood and fondly recall enjoying frequent lunches at Hoboken’s famous Clam Broth House – often after inviting her boss to come so he would pay for it!

One night in 1963, Barbara, as a young woman, was playing in a Singles Bowling League in Jersey City. While bowling that night, she met a handsome young man named Harold “Harry” Ronnholm. Barbara and Harry hit it off great and started dating. They fell in love and on Saturday, October 2, 1965 they were married. The newlywed couple settled in an apartment in Little Falls for a short time. While there, they welcomed the birth of their first child, Mary Ann. In 1967, they moved to Wayne where they welcomed the births of their next two children, Carol Ann and John. During those early years of marriage, Barbara lovingly and enthusiastically poured all her love and guidance into the raising of her children and the care of their home while Harry supported the family as primary breadwinner. They remained in Wayne for the rest of their lives and cherished fifty-six years of loving and loyal marriage together.

When her children started school, Barbara began working part-time as a knitting instructor. She used that talent to design and knit OLV-themed hats, scarves and mittens that were sold at the school as a fundraiser. She later returned to the workplace full-time first at Thomas’ English Muffins in Wayne and later as a payroll administrator for the township of Wayne. In both places her warm disposition won the hearts and respect of countless colleagues; she was an especially popular lady on payday!

Outside of her home, Barbara kept herself occupied in a myriad of ways. Along with Harry, who was a long-time member of Elks Lodge #2181 in Wayne, she was very active in the Elks Club Ladies Auxiliary, holding several offices including president. When women were finally welcomed to full membership, she became an Elk herself.

A true animal lover, Barbara never met a dog or cat she couldn’t help but love. That soft spot for pets led to the rescue of many dogs who would have otherwise been put down. She was fostering long before it was even a concept! Once during a blizzard, she rescued a three-legged poodle freezing in the cold. With his coat all matted down, he was in desperate need of grooming and veterinary attention. She took the dog in and paid for all his care. Over the years she fostered many pups and ended up keeping several of them! A few of the special ones we remember are Dutchess, Coco, Spec (he was really tiny, smaller than a spot!), Angel, Valentino, Fonzie, Lucy and one cat that stole her heart – Steven.

Barbara was a crafty lady. In addition to knitting, she did ceramics, made curtains, and sewed. She even re-upholstered all of her dining room chairs and was often called upon to fix holes in her grandchildren’s favorite clothes! Her talents, however, did not extend to the kitchen – she was often heard saying that the only thing she did with her stove was to dust it! She enjoyed being a regular at many local restaurants and diners.

Though she didn’t grow up with computers, Barbara didn’t let that keep her from learning how to use them. She embraced the challenge and consequently enjoyed creating all her own greeting cards on the computer. When her son John went on a trip to Japan, he would email her once a day and tell her all about where he had visited and where he was going the next day. Looking those places up on her computer, she would enjoy sharing conversation with him about what she had learned. In essence, it made her feel like she was virtually traveling with him and she loved how her computer enabled her to do that.

Barbara walked very closely with God throughout her entire life on earth. She and Harry were long-time parishioners of Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church in Wayne. All three children attended school there. Early on in their time at OLV, Barbara and Harry got involved with the church’s Mr. and Mrs. Club where they made many life-long friends. Out of those friendships a club called the “Rowdies of Wayne” was inspired. It was a club made up of life-long friends from church that planned bus trips together and traveled to Florida. The “Rowdies” would always meet for breakfast or lunch after Sunday mass. Later after all were retired, they continued the tradition with the “breakfast club” meeting at the diner. Just this past Sunday, October 31, Barbara attended mass for the first time since the COVID pandemic started. It was such a special day for her as a mass was said for her beloved Harry who passed away just one month ago on October 4, 2021. After church, Barbara joined a few close friends at the diner. It was an especially enjoyable time being reunited and supported by old friends. It was a great day!

Aside from all of Barbara’s talents and hobbies, her greatest passion was for her family. Nothing in the world truly meant more to her than spending time with and providing for Harry, her children and her grandchildren. John will always have fond memories of his mom running up and down the line to cheer him on at his soccer games. That same enthusiasm carried through to her grandchildren. As a testimony to her grandmotherly love, Barbara spent every Friday taking care of Emma and Owen – building a special bond with them while affording Carol Ann a break. She also made sure to attend every sports, school, theater or dance event. No matter what she was going through, she never let it get in the way of doting on her grandchildren, including the youngest A.J. In fact, Barbara’s determined spirit enabled her to enjoy even richer times with her children and grandchildren.

Barbara will be fondly remembered for her many endearing and inspiring qualities. She was the very definition of outgoing and sociable. She had a zest and enthusiasm for life that is rarely seen. Even this past week in the hospital, when asked by the doctor how she was doing, she responded, as she often did, by saying “Hunky Dory!”

While we grieve Barbara’s loss here with us, we are certain there was a joyous reunion in heaven with Harry, her mother, and many members of her family and friends. We are also certain that she is reflecting back on her life here on earth as nothing short of “Amazing”.

Barbara Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband Harold “Harry” Ronnholm exactly one month prior to her passing. She is survived by her two daughters: Mary Ann Ronnholm of Wayne, NJ, and Carol Ann Murphy and husband Brian of West Orange, NJ, her one son John Ronnholm and his wife Maggie of Chester, NJ; and five grandchildren: Emma Murphy of West Orange, Owen Murphy of West Orange, Noah Dyer of Chester, Jonah Dyer of Chester, and Alec Jones “A.J.” Ronnholm of Chester.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Barbara’s name are asked to consider two possible ways to honor her memory. First, because her family was so grateful for the availability of donated blood during Barbara’s recent stay in the hospital, please consider blessing others by going to your local blood bank to donate if you are able. Second, because of her demonstrated love and concern for animal rescue, please consider giving to a local animal shelter of your choosing.