Obituaries

Barbara Alexander, 85, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Barbara carried with her the strong values, faith, and resilience that would define her life. While attending College Misericordia, she enjoyed spending time with friends and embracing life's adventures. One afternoon, while out on a joy ride around the Wilkes-Barre Square, she spotted a handsome basketball player from nearby King's College. Turning to her friends, she confidently declared, "See him right there? I'm going to marry him one day." That young man was Nicholas A. Alexander.

Barbara was predeceased by Nick, the love of her life and husband of many years; her parents, James and Frances McGrath; and her brother, Thomas McGrath. She often laughed when telling the story of how they met, adding, “first he stole my heart, and then I stole his name."

In 1960, Barbara and Nick made Monmouth County, New Jersey their home, where together they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her three beloved children: Anthony Alexander and his children, Mollie and her husband Mike Kurpiewski, and Nicholas Alexander and his fiancée Kristen, along with great-grandchildren Madison and Melanie; Frances Golden and her husband, Greg, and their sons, Gregory and his wife Jillian, and Matthew and his wife Carley; and Mary Jo Alexander Hart and her children, Amanda, Christopher, and Charles.

Barbara faced life's challenges with remarkable courage, determination, and grace. Through every obstacle, she demonstrated extraordinary strength and an unwavering belief that tomorrow would be brighter.

Nothing brought Barbara greater joy than her family. As "Mamie," she adored her grandchildren, affectionately referring to them as her "Magnificent Seven." They were the pride of her life. Whether it was a ride, a favor, advice, donuts, a pack of Oreo’s, a listening ear, or simply being present, nothing was ever too difficult or too complicated when it came to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Barbara treasured family dinners, holidays, celebrations, and the simple moments spent together. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, comfort, and acceptance. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for.

Above all, Barbara was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, resilience, generosity, faith, and family. The values she instilled, the memories she created, and the love she shared will continue to live on through the generations she nurtured and adored.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, wisdom, and spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 11th at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 27 Oratory Way, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in name of Barbara T. Alexander, https://www.stjude.org/donate. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.