Barbara Irene DiFerdinando, age 84, of Paterson passed peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023.

Barbara, a native of Paterson, New Jersey, was born to Layton and Ruth Singer. She is an alumnus of Eastside High School, also located in Paterson.  In 1979, she married Albert DiFerdinando, a valiant WWII veteran. Barbara and Albert, along with Barbara’s parents, shared a warm and welcoming home in Hawthorne, NJ. Their loving home, steeped in their lifelong passion for cooking, served as the epicenter for countless memorable family gatherings.  After the passing of Albert, Barbara found another loving home with her niece, Deborah, and Deborah's children.

Barbara was predeceased not only by her parents, Layton and Ruth Singer, and her husband, Albert, but also by her niece, Deborah.  Her surviving close loving relatives include her nephews James, George, Bob, and their children and grandchildren, her niece Deborah’s children Michael, Katharine and her children, her stepchildren Patricia, Lucille, Anthony, and Albert, her five step-grandchildren, her nine step-great-grandchildren, and her 2 beloved step-great-great-grandchildren, Azraela and Luna.

Barbara began her career at Bamburgers, now known as Macy’s, where she utilized her exceptional interpersonal skills as a salesperson. She then transitioned to Berles Carton Company in Paterson, NJ, broadening her professional experience. Her primary work life was spent at Western Electric Company, a subsidiary of AT&T, located in Kearny, NJ. Barbara was frequently the top performer in her department and a beloved team member.

Barbara, known lovingly as "Aunt Barbara" to so many, was known for her immense love, care, and unwavering devotion to her closest family members throughout her lifetime. Despite not holding a formal nursing degree, she served as a devoted caregiver for many years to her father, her mother, and later her husband, Albert. Barbara held a special place in her heart for her brother-in-law George's family, providing guidance and support to all of them, as well as their children and grandchildren.

Barbara was a woman of strong faith, evidenced by her dedicated attendance at Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, for over two decades. Beyond attending services, she was a faithful participant in their Bible study, which was held every Sunday morning following the first service. She also supported The Chapel's ministry through consistent and faithful tithing.

Barbara was a truly dedicated member of her community, with involvement in many groups and organizations.  She was a longtime member of the Riverside Veterans organization and served as past president of the ladies auxiliary.  She was an active member of the Wayne Elks ladies auxiliary, and when that organization disbanded she became an active member of the Wayne Elks.  She was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Seniors Group, and Barbara also served as the president of the Golden Circle Seniors Group of Hawthorne up until the time of her death. Barbara’s life of service is a testament to her dedication to her community, and her commitment to improving the lives of others.