On Saturday, March 1, 2025, our mother, sister and friend, Barbara H. Dorcas, passed away unexpectedly at home.
The daughter of James and Helen (Valentine) Holden, Barbara was born on March 1, 1953, in Newton, New Jersey. She was married to John Dorcas, who preceded her in death on Sept. 23, 2021.
Barbara retired from Selective Insurance, Branchville, N.J., after many years of loyal service.
She was a great lover of animals and the outdoors.
She and her husband spent much of their time together near Oswego, N.Y., on Lake Ontario out on their boat. She enjoyed being in nature, watching the birds and wildlife. She loved the ocean and would travel with her husband to spend time just walking on the beach.
She was a very loyal and trustworthy friend, especially to her lifelong friend, Linda Osterhoudt, with whom she spent lots of time. The small joys in life made her the happiest.
She also greatly enjoyed her weekly dinners with Dawn and Matt Dorcas, their children Declan and Devlen, Lee Helms and his wife Jane (until her passing).
Left to cherish her memory are her children, her daughter Beth (Poyer) Meyer, her husband Kraig, and their children Zoie and Zaine, and stepdaughter Jessica Dorcas, her partner, and children Braelyn, Chad, and Patrick.
Barbara also left behind her sister Beverly and her husband James Togno, her brother William and his wife Sharon Holden, and all their children and grandchildren, as well as her late Husband’s brothers James Dorcas, William Dorcas, and sister Betty (Dorcas) Clawson and their spouses, children and grandchildren.
Services were private, at the convenience of the family.
In honor of Barbara, memorial donations may be made to Port Jervis Humane Society, 202 US 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W Harford St., Milford, Pennsylvania 18337 (www.stroyanfuenralhome.com).