Barbara Ann Shuba

Barbara Ann Shuba, devoted wife for 60 years, cherished mother and gram, kind hearted friend, and beloved teacher for 38 years, was called home to the Lord peacefully on September 2nd, 2026 at 6:00 PM with her devoted husband, Ernie and her adored children, Patrick and his wife Tammy and daughter Kathleen along with other family members at her side. Barbara was 84 years old.

Born in Wilkes Barre (Hanover Township) Pennsylvania in 1942 to Paul and Marie Shea, Barbara's life was a testament to love, loyalty to family and friends, and service to others. She battled breast cancer for almost six years with a determination to defeat it, especially after being in remission twice.

Barbara was a resident of Flemington, Hunterdon County, New Jersey for 54 years. She was a proud graduate of Misericordia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. Barbara enjoyed a 38 year career as an elementary teacher in the Branchburg Township School District in Branchburg, New Jersey, where she retired in June 2006. In 1989, Barbara was one of the early recipients of the annual New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award. She received a $3000 grant for her school, at the time, Old York School, which she shared with her teacher colleagues to buy items for classrooms.

Barbara's teaching experience spanned several primary and elementary school grades...kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. One year, it even involved being a pre-first grade teacher for students who needed extra time to mature before being in grade one.

Barbara had a special love for books and enjoyed reading many novels during her retirement years. She also enjoyed poetry which she shared with her many students. One of her former students went on many years later to nominate her for the publication Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2000 edition. “The best teachers in America selected by the best students” according to the award letter.

Above all, Barbara was an extraordinary, compassionate person who was always looking to lift others up, offer encouragement, and help in any way she could. She cared deeply about the people in her life and gave freely of her time, attention, and her heart. In 1964, she met the love of her life, Ernest (Ernie), while they were both first year teachers. In June 1966, they were married and initially lived in Somerville and Raritan before buying their first and only home in 1972 in Raritan Township, where they have resided for 54 years.

Some of Barbara’s most cherished times were those spent with immediate and extended family at their vacation home located in Pocono Lake, PA. In addition, she thoroughly liked their annual summer trip to Long Beach island, New Jersey. One of her favorite sayings was “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!”

Barbara is survived by her husband Ernest R. Shuba, son Patrick and his wife Tammy, daughter Kathleen Herring (Joseph Schmuckler), grandchildren Nicholas, Brittany, Christopher, Timothy, Caroline, Emma, four nephews and one niece. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Peggy Phillips, Joan Shea and USAF Major, Pauline (Polly) Johnston.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959 or to the American Cancer Society.

Her family will receive relatives and friends for a public visitation on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. A private funeral service at the funeral home followed by interment in St. Magdalen Cemetery will be held Friday morning September 11th.

A public celebration of her life will take place at Dolce Restaurant, 161 Main St. in Flemington at 11:30 am on Friday, September 11, 2026.

Arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.