Obituary of Barbara B. DeMeritt

Barbara B. DeMeritt, 86, of East Windsor, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Meadow Lakes Healthcare Center in East Windsor, NJ. 

Born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Wenonah, NJ, Barbara was a graduate of Woodbury High School, and Valedictorian of the Class of 1956.  She later went on to graduate from Douglass College, where she received her B.A. in English in 1960. 

Following graduation, Barbara and her husband, William settled down in Lawrence Township, NJ, where she remained at home for several years while raising their three daughters, Laura, Jennifer, and Rebecca.  Later, she was employed with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Historical Studies Library as an Acquisitions Librarian.  She later joined the team at Educational Testing Service, where she worked in the Test Development Department until her retirement in 2003.   

As an avid skier, Barbar was a member of the Trenton Ski Club for over 20 years, including a term as President. She was also a member of the Central Jersey Choral Society (formerly known as the Greater Trenton Choral Society) for over 30 years.

In her free time, Barbara loved to swim, bodysurf, bike, hike, and spend time at the family house in Surf City, NJ. She traveled extensively with her family in the great national parks of the American West, and with her husband throughout Europe during their long and happy retirement.  She had an endless thirst for knowledge, and read widely about history, politics, and science.

Predeceased by her parents Charles William and Alice Hilliard Brey, her brother-in-law Stephen E. DeMeritt, and her son-in-law, David Leary; she is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, William DeMeritt; her daughters Laura Leary, of Coatesville, PA; Jennifer DeMeritt of Brooklyn, NY; and Rebecca Schwiebert and her husband, Michael Schwiebert of Perrysburg, OH; her grandchildren, Meredith and Joshua Schwiebert; and her brother, Jonathan Brey and sister-in-law Elma May Brey.

Cremation will be private. A celebration of her life will be planned in the future at Meadow Lakes in East Windsor, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to the American Cancer Society by visiting In Memory Of at inmemof.org.