Barbara Moran, CSJP (1941-2025)

Barbara Jean Moran was born on December 10, 1941, in Teaneck, New Jersey, the eldest of two daughters born to Francis and Bessie (Tremper) Moran. As the first daughter and granddaughter on both sides of the family, she enjoyed a carefree childhood.

Sister Barbara first encountered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace when her basketball team from St. Cecilia’s High School in Englewood, New Jersey, was invited to a graduation dance in Gaffney Hall for the boys of St. Joseph Home on the grounds of St. Michael Villa in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. While in high school, Sister Barbara volunteered at St. Joseph Village in Rockleigh, New Jersey. She came to know and admire the sisters for their hard work and dedication to caring for the orphans. It was in her senior year that she seriously considered entering the community and realized her God-given gift of working with children. Sister Barbara entered in 1959 at the age of seventeen.

In 1969, Sister Barbara graduated from Caldwell College in Caldwell, New Jersey, with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in 1978 from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Elementary and Early Childhood Education in 1983 from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

For 11 years, Sister Barbara taught in elementary schools in Northern New Jersey: St. Anne’s School in Fair Lawn, St. Joseph Village in Rockleigh, and Holy Cross School in Wayne, where she was later principal. She also served as a consultant and researcher for the Teaneck Board of Education in Teaneck, New Jersey. In 1988, she became the founding director of The Nurturing Place, a licensed, year-round, early childhood development center located at the York Street Project in Jersey City, New Jersey. In addition, Sister Barbara was a member of the Holy Name Medical Center Board of Trustees for 26 years.

Sister Barbara Moran died on February 14, 2025. A combined wake service and Liturgy of Christian Burial was held on March 3, 2025, at St. Michael Villa followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey. Sister Barbara is survived by her sister, Alicia Franco, and three nieces.

Sister Barbara touched lives and hearts during her lifetime of loving service. She will be especially missed for her leadership, laughter, and love of children.