Obituary of Barbara Leyden

Barbara Marie Leyden, age 87 of Fairview, NJ died peacefully on Friday May 16, 2025, after a brief illness. Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband Francis (Frank) Sr. and her son Frank Jr. Born Barbara Lair to Harry J Sr. and Marie Lair, she is pre-deceased by her parents and well as by her sister Marcia and husband Paul Muller, and younger brother Harry Jr. and surviving wife Phyllis, nee Cavalier.

Barbara leaves behind a son Michael and wife Elizabeth nee Hofmann, and their children, Lucas, wife Sarah Wolfgang and their son Gary; Gabrielle and fiancé Georgie Gibbs; and Hannah, and a son Joseph and wife Lorraine nee Liket.

A graduate from Cliffside Park High School, Barbara was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York City, NY until marrying, the love of her life, Frank in 1959 and starting a family in 1961. In retirement, Barbara joined the Fairview Senior Club as the Recording Secretary. She enjoyed that position for many years, later adding Historian to her list of positions held.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker, Barbara took pride in making a home for her family and caring for her 3 children, her parents into their later years, and her three grandchildren. Many an Easter, Memorial Day or Thanksgiving you would find Lair and Leyden family gatherings for birthday and anniversaries, BBQs or dinners. Barbara loved “a good party” with a good Tom Collins.

Known for always having a camera ready – back when film, an analog media, ruled the day, Barbara loved taking pictures. With dozens of albums and thousands of pictures “Aunt Barbara” would be heard at Senior Club parties and many family events saying “ok, line up it’s picture time”!

Barbara’s caring heart extended to her many pets. Known to have multiple pets, she was always able to convince Frank that if one pet was good, two were better. She would care for cats and dogs at one time without issue. All were loved and cared for and given a great home.

Visitation and burial services will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2025 - visitation from 4-8 PM at McCorry Brothers Funeral Home, 780 Anderson Ave., Cliffside Park, NJ. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace RC Church, 395 Delano Place, Fairview NJ on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Burial will be held at 11:15 AM at Fairview Cemetery, 500 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, NJ. Repast to follow.

While flowers are welcome, please consider giving in memory of Barbara Leyden to the ACPCA of New Jersey - https://www.aspca.org/nyc/aspca-adoption-center/adoptable-dogs/jersey-a39958149