Barbara Ann Hanf

Barbara Ann Hanf
On Friday, January 23, Barbara passed away peacefully at her home in Yorktown, VA.
She was born in Bayonne, NJ and was the oldest of five. She learned quickly to be the one in charge! She attended Bayonne High School and then Jersey City State College where she earned her BA in education. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine and Anne Hanf and her sister, Ann Marion Kemple and brother, Valentine Hanf, Jr. She is survived by her sisters, Valorie Manzella, husband Paul, and Denise Sommers, husband Dennis, brother-in-law John Kemple, nephews, John Kemple Jr., (wife, Kimberly), Scott Kemple, Matthew Kemple (wife Rani), Jason Manzella, Jeffrey Manzella (wife, Tara) and Brett Sommers, as well as great nieces and nephews, Aunt Delores, and many cousins. Barbara loved her family and friends.
Barbara led a very full life and never let any grass grow under her feet. After graduating college, Barbara taught at Woodbridge Elementary School in Woodbridge, NJ. Her love of exploration led her to teach in Japan, Christmas Island, and Australia, where she continued to teach elementary school and university. She obtained dual citizenship and resided in Australia for 31 years before moving to Yorktown, VA to be with family. She had a thirst for knowledge and her on-going education enabled her to earn 2 Master’s Degrees in Education and Accounting.
Barbara had a passion for reading, gardening, and traveling. She enjoyed working in her garden every day and had the prettiest garden in her neighborhood. She loved going to the Outer Banks and enjoyed the ocean and long walks on the beach. Throughout her life she received certifications in Reiki, Yoga and Tai Chi and was currently studying to advance to the next level in Tai Chi. She embraced the Asian philosophy of the east and lived a life of love and compassion for all.
Barbara was an active Master Gardener with the Yorktown/Poquoson Master Gardeners as well as a Tree Steward. She was very sincere and generous with her time, always willing to help others. She was a volunteer at the Ferguson Center as well as Colonial Williamsburg.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 7 February, at 1:00 PM followed by a celebration of life from 2:00-4:00 at Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown, VA.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Victory Family YMCA of Yorktown, VA, 101 Long Green Blvd, Yorktown, VA 23693