Mary Lou Barb

Mary Lou (Kasper) Barb was born on August 4, 1930, in Ridgefield, CT. The youngest child and only daughter of Mary and Ralph Kasper. She lived in Ridgefield her entire childhood. After obtaining her degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1952, Mary Lou worked as a dental hygienist for many years, until she stopped to become a full-time mom. She returned to that career as her children grew. 

Mary Lou married Basil James Barb, of Niles Ohio, on June 11, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ridgefield, CT. Mary Lou and Jim were introduced by her brother Frank Kasper after their Navy tour in Korea. Jim and Mary Lou exchanged letters and in less than 6 months, they were engaged. Following their honeymoon in the Poconos they moved to Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. There they attended many Buckeye football games while Jim completed his degree in Electrical Engineering. It was there they had their first son Richard in 1956. In 1958 they moved to Roslyn, PA where they had their second son Thomas. Two years later in 1960 they moved to their forever home in Oreland, PA where Karen, Sue and Rob were born. Mary Lou and Jim were active members of Holy Martyrs parish. Their firm foundation in faith and family was always evident. 

During the 1960s-1970s, Mary Lou was very active in the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA. As her girls were growing up, she was leader of Girl Scout Junior Troop 659. She received honors for her community involvement as director of the Montgomery County Girl Scouts day camp and as Springfield Township neighborhood chairman.

Mary Lou leaves behind her 5 adoring children: Richard (Lois) Barb of Camp Springs, MD; Thomas (Geraldine, deceased) Barb of Collierville, TN; Karen (Robert) Fugelo of King of Prussia, PA; Susan (Mark) Fisher of Abington, PA; Robert (Masako) Barb of York, PA. She also leaves behind 9 loving grandchildren: Nicole (Andrew) Prolow, David (Jessica) Fugelo, TJ Barb, Jenna Barb, Jessica (Isaac) Mulder, Megan (Carlos) Pedro, Daniel Fisher, Hanna and Alex Barb and 5 precious great grandchildren: Luca, Alessandra, Benjamin, Elena and Malia.

Mary Lou’s passion was her family, first and foremost, watching her children and grandchildren grow. Mary Lou loved her family dearly. Her children, their spouses and her 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren were the light of her life.

 Mary Lou’s other lifelong interests included taking vacations with her family. Her favorite vacation spots were Sebago Lake, ME where the family vacationed in the early years and Ocean City, NJ. Mary Lou loved both camping and the beach. She had a love of sewing, gardening, reading and playing bridge.

Mary Lou will be best remembered for her kindness, generosity and calm content spirit. She will be missed by all who knew her, especially her family. A superfan of Ohio State University football and Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles -- We will always remember her loud cheers for her sports teams ! 

On September 3rd 2025, Mary Lou (Kasper) Barb departed this life at her home at the Springhouse Estates in Ambler, PA. In accordance with her wishes, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated:

Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at Mother of Divine Providence Church; 333 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. 
9:00AM Visitation; 10:00AM Mass; Burial at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken 
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to ACTS Legacy Foundation designating Spring House Estates Samaritan Fund. Checks can be made payable to ACTS Legacy Foundation, 420 Delaware Drive, P.O. Box 2222, Ft. Washington, PA 19034 or
online using this link: Click here to Support the Acts Legacy Foundation