Barbara Elizabeth Conlee (Petrillo), aged 90, passed away on July 14, 2024, in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Born on January 1, 1934, in Englewood, NJ, Barbara’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and community service.
Key Takeaways
- Barbara Conlee was born on January 1, 1934, in Englewood, NJ.
- She moved to California at the age of fourteen.
- Barbara was a single mother of four children.
- She earned a BS in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Psychology.
- Barbara had a distinguished career in social work and counseling.
- She was recognized as “Woman of the Year” in 1991.
- Barbara passed away on July 14, 2024, at the age of 90.
Early Life and Family
Barbara’s early years were spent in Englewood, NJ, before moving to California at the age of fourteen. She set aside her personal ambitions to support her immediate family. As a single mother of four, Barbara instilled in her children the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion.
Education and Career
Despite the challenges of single parenthood, Barbara pursued higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of La Verne and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.
Barbara’s career was a testament to her altruistic spirit. She served as a social worker for the County of Los Angeles, a manager for the Social Security Administration, and a director of Family Service Centers for the U.S. Navy in Ventura County. Additionally, she worked as a counselor at the South Lake Tahoe Women’s Center and as a Clinical Counselor for the U.S. Marine Corps in Twentynine Palms.
Achievements and Recognition
Barbara’s exceptional service to military families at the Naval CBC base in Port Hueneme earned her the esteemed “Woman of the Year” award in 1991. Her wisdom and kindness left a lasting impact on many lives.
Legacy and Remembrance
Barbara is survived by her sister, Carolyn Maurer; her children, Tom Conlee, Maureen Froyum, Christina Thornburg, and Al Conlee; her nine grandchildren; and her eleven great-grandchildren. She joins her parents, Katherine Lorenze and Stephen Petrillo, and her brother, Stephen Petrillo, in eternal rest.
Barbara’s gentle presence, enduring faith, and legacy of compassionate care will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on October 19, 2024, in South Lake Tahoe at the home of her daughter, Maureen. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a local animal shelter, or Joyce Meyer Ministries, reflecting Barbara’s charitable spirit.
Sources
- Obituary: Barbara Elizabeth Conlee (Petrillo) | TahoeDailyTribune.com, TahoeDailyTribune.com.
