Barbara J. Coffey, fondly known as “Babs or Barb, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. She was born on February 4, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey and grew up in Rumson. On March 13, 1993, Barbara and her husband, Kevin, were married and began their life together. They settled in Red Bank and raised two beautiful children together: Maggie and Liam.
Throughout her life, Barb valued healing and compassion above all else, leading her to a lifelong service as a nurse. Working at Riverview Medical Center, Barb worked her 45 years as a Critical Care Nurse in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, eventually becoming Assistant Nurse Manager of the unit. Over those years she was awarded numerous awards, among those being the Nursing Excellence Award and the Daisy Foundation Award, which was awarded for her leadership and nursing during the COVID pandemic particularly with the rapid response team, ventilator efficiency and safety, and co-chairing the Code Blue Committee.
Barbara lived a life filled with love, kindness, and cherished memories. She will be remembered for her delicious baking, particularly for her holiday pound cake with fresh strawberries. She had a particular part of her heart dedicated to shopping for the holiday deals at Hobby Lobby, HomeGoods and Marshalls. She could never turn down a deal for a new book that was being released or another skein of yarn, even if she didnt know what to make with it yet.
Throughout her life, Barbara found joy in raising her two children, Maggie and Liam. Following her retirement her favorite activity was to sit on the front porch with her two dogs, Guinness and Bailey, and watch the day go by with a cup of Earl Grey tea, and a good book. It did not matter what holiday it was, Barb always went above and beyond to decorate the front porch to make sure anyone who drove by was mesmerized by the holiday spirit just like her.
Above all, she treasured her family and friends, leaving behind a lasting legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Barbara was predeceased by her mother and father, Barbara and Charles, and her loving brother, Chuck. Barbara is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 36 years. Kevin, her two children, Maggie and Liam, and her two loving golden retrievers, Guinness and Bailey. She is also survived by her brother Edward, and his children, Brittany and Amanda, alongside many other cousins, nieces and nephews. Beyond this, she leaves behind a beautifully large support group of friends, colleagues, fellow nurses, and doctors that have grown, cried, and have shared many memories alongside her throughout the years.
Though our hearts are broken by this loss, we find comfort in the memories we shared and the love Barbara gave so freely. Barb will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 5-8 pm with a prayer service at 7:30 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ, 07701. In respect to Barbara’s wishes, a private interment will be held with family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s loving memory to Riverview Medical Center. To donate, please visit https://donate.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/a/riverview?sourceid=1043148 and select “Cancer Services”.
Comments powered by CComment