Obituary of Barbara E. Auer

Barbara Elizabeth Auer, 85, of Fuquay-Varina, NC, a longtime resident of Vineland, NJ passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on May 12, 2016. Barbara Elizabeth Auer was born in Brooklyn, NY to Leni Berwanger and Paul Schultz on October 6th, 1930 and was adopted and raised by William Berwanger. She went to high school at Richmond Hill High in Brooklyn, NY, graduating in 1948. She worked for her parents' corner store, then Bell Telephone in NY before marrying the love of her life, Irwin, her husband of almost 66 years, with whom she moved to Panama and Kentucky before settling in Vineland in 1956. After her children were almost grown, she started working at Winslow Elementary School in Vineland as a Teacher's Aide and Library Aide for 31 years. She was always an active volunteer on church committees such as the Evangelism Committee and food co-op, played piano for Sunday School and Bible School, and was a member of LCW and the couples group. She initiated and ran the library at Luther Acres for about 30 years and after retiring was a hospice volunteer before relocating to Windsor Point in Fuquay-Varina, NC, in 2012. She enjoyed attending church at Redeemer in Vineland and Wake Chapel since moving to NC, dancing, especially out doing the polka and square dancing or at home to Lawrence Welk, attending plays, concerts, Phillies games, flower shows and anything her five grandchildren or husband were involved in, as well as visiting Atlantic City and playing games like bingo, pinochle, canasta, 7 up/down, UNO, and Rummikub with her family and friends. She loved poetry and puzzles, and collected elephants, salt and pepper shakers, and Hummels. Most importantly she was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt and friend. Barbara was always a private though friendly, pleasant, caring, generous Christian who always put helping others ahead of her own immediate needs. She was always known to be by her husband's side as a dedicated wife. Barbara inspired her husband, family and friends to remain faithful, loving and kind to all. Her giving ways and beautiful smile, unique personality and subtle sense of humor uplifted many in need. Barbara Auer is survived by her husband, Irwin J Auer, currently residing in Fuquay-Varina, NC, her daughters; Nancy Reyes of Robbinsville, NJ, and Donna Sturm of Bridgewater, NJ, her son Kenneth Auer of Holly Springs, NC, and their spouses John Reyes, Christian Sturm, and Carol Auer and grandchildren Cynthia Lally of Fayetteville, NC, Caitlyn Reyes of Robbinsville, NJ, Hope Auer, Caleb Auer, and Joshua Auer of Holly Springs, NC, Lois and Arthur Auer of Silver Spring, MD, and Evelyn Streaman of Buffalo, NY, Kim Coleman, her devoted personal nurse and friend, nieces and nephews, cousins and beloved friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Doris Rozelle, and many more beloved relatives and friends. Her family will be at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 2384 E. Landis Ave. in Vineland on Friday, May 20th with visitation from 9 to 11 am and service at 11am. Reverend Gary Stiegler and Reverend Richard Shenton will officiate. Burial will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. Arrangements are by DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or South Jersey Healthcare Hospice at 1138 E. Chestnut Ave, #3B Vineland, NJ 08360.