Virginia Beach- Barbara Puffenbarger Stone passed away October 15, 2018 at the age of 86. Barbara was born and raised in Washington, DC. She was the daughter of the late Minor and Emma Puffenbarger. She was a graduate of Anacostia High School. Barbara married the love of her life, Jim Stone on March 3rd, 1951. She spent the early years of her marriage traveling as a Navy wife with their growing family. Barbara was blessed with four children, Jay Stone, Jinx Reinhard, Mickey Stone and Cindy Santella. Barbara considered each new duty station an adventure as we traveled the states, providing a loving home environment for her family.
Barbara had a love of community and developed friendships along the way that she held near and dear. She gave back to the community in many ways through the years. Barbara volunteered with Navy Relief, she volunteered as a Gray Lady at Boone Clinic and was President of the VW4 Hurricane Hunters Officers Wives.
She provided comfort and direction as a Suicide prevention-crisis hotline counselor and Barbara worked with the steering committee for Crime Prevention issues with the Va. Beach police department. Barbara was a member of the Retired Officers Wives Club, the Cape Henry Woman’s Club and The Out to Lunch Bunch. She was a founding member of Holy Family Church. Barbara was most proud of her Women of Faith group where she found lifelong friends to share her faith and love of God.
Barbara found joy and excitement in her many trips to Disneyworld. She had a love of beautiful flowers and enjoyed floral design at Wayne Jones Florist. Barbara had an appreciation for beautiful homes and held her Real Estate license. She was a talented artist and filled our homes with beautiful expressive paintings. At family gatherings Barbara was a talented pianist and serenaded our family around her childhood piano with happy joyous songs.
Barbara was most content when her husband, children, two sons in law, Scott Santella and Rick Reinhard, 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren came to visit “grandmas Beach” playing in the surf and sand. We are proud to announce that Barbara will have a 14th great-grandchild due in April. We will miss her terribly because “She was our Sunshine.”
A deep appreciation for Dr. James Kazakis, Dr. Seth Greenberg, Dr. Celeste Bremer and Dr. Harry Williams for your unfailing care and kindness. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital. You were wonderful.
A Mass will be offered at the Church of the Holy Family by Fr. Eric Ayers at 10:30am, Thursday, October 25th, 2018. A visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass, 9:30am to 10:30am. We welcome your participation as we celebrate Barbara’s life. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Church of the Holy Family Haiti Fund will be greatly appreciated.
Cremation Society of Virginia is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at vacremationsociety.com.