ARBARA SELFRIDGE HARE OBITUARY

Barbara Jean Selfridge Hare, age 85, of Ocean City, New Jersey (Formerly of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania) born on July 11, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania died on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at her home in Marriottsville, Maryland. She was the wife of the late William C. Hare, of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania and Ocean City, New Jersey and the mother of James C. Hare (Valerie) of Lake Wylie, SC, Stephen W. Hare (Diane) of Voorhees, NJ and Susan H. Brown (James) of Marriottsville, Maryland, and honorary daughter Rev. Judith A. Emerson of Marriottsville, Maryland. She was the grandmother of Jillian M. Culp (Thomas), Taylor L. Hare, Amanda B. Lowe (Bradley) and Eric W. Brown (Antonia) and the great-grandmother of Sawyer and Jameson Culp. She was the daughter of the late Marion B. Selfridge and James S. Selfridge.
Barbara was never without a dog in her life and considered them gifts from God, most even had biblical names: Patsy Janet Selfridge, Sam, Harry, Samson, Abraham, Marty, Benjamin, Orion, Andrew, Scooter, Jeremiah, Kevin, Moses, Chester, Oliver, Onyx, Wallace, Lane, Founder, Maker, Ripken, Harley, Delta and Gidget were all part of her pack at one time or another.
Born at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia, Barbara was baptized at Westminster Presbyterian Church where she remained a member for 85 years. On June 21, 1958, Barbara married Bill Hare at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Barbara and Bill shared 57 years of marriage. In 1954 she graduated from Bartram High School in Philadelphia, PA. In 1958 she graduated from West Chester State Teacher's College and began her career as a public-school teacher. In 1978 she graduated with her Master's Degree from West Chester State College and then pursued her Doctorate Studies at University of Pennsylvania.
Barbara dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with them, watching them grow and getting them involved in her many plans, endeavors and adventures. She loved to laugh with others and at herself and the grandchildren enjoyed helping her in both ways.
She was very active at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (currently known as New Spirit Community Presbyterian Church).
She was a Camp Fire Leader, Circle Leader, Sunday School Teacher and Little Church Leader for 65 years. She was Den Mom for the Boy Scout Troop when both sons achieved Eagle Scout. Barbara's favorite holiday was Halloween!
She loved sharing her home in Ocean City, New Jersey with anyone and everyone. She constantly shared her skills with her church in Pennsylvania and at Ebenezer UMC in Maryland. In 1975, Barbara and her husband, Bill, bought 22 acres of land in South Jersey and built Colonial Meadows Family Campground with the help of many.
She always wanted people to be able to enjoy her beloved Ocean City, NJ in an affordable, family-friendly, Christian way. She succeeded in so many ways and always loved her campground. Barbara loved traveling from Canada to Florida and as far west as Yellowstone in a pop up, camping van and campers. She knitted and crocheted her way across the United States. She was never without a crochet hook or knitting needles by her side.
Barbara lived a faith-filled life teaching others about her faith in God. Children's Ministry was her passion and she continued to teach children up until two weeks before her passing. She was part of the leadership team who began Children's Church at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Maryland. She was proud of her faith in our Lord and shared it with everyone she met. We trust that she is in heaven now reunited with Bill, loved ones and her dogs as we are celebrating her incredible life here on earth. In the words of Barbara Jean Selfridge Hare
"This was the best life ever!".

A Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life will be held at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 4901 Woodbine Road, Sykesville, MD 21784 on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 3 PM with Rev. Judith A. Emerson officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to
Ebenezer United Methodist Church Children's Ministry
4901 Woodbine Road ~ Sykesville, Maryland 21784