Barbara Seele, 87, of Manchester Twp. passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born in Jersey City, she raised her family in Bergenfield before moving to Gouldsboro, PA and has resided in Manchester for the past 20 years.
Barbara was involved in many church and community activities throughout her life. Most recently, she was an active member of the Rosary and Altar Society of St John’s Church and member of VISTON in Leisure Village West.
Predeceased by her parents Mary Catherine (Talbot) and Pasquale DeFino and her sister, Marilyn DeFino, she is survived by her husband of 67 years, Charles S. Seele; 4 daughters and sons-in-law, Joan Seele-Goold and Blair, Ellen Seele-Everett and Timothy, Donna Dumar and Jean-Marie, Carol Andresen and Michael; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Patricia McNulty and Elizabeth Dandorph and Kenneth; sister-in-law, Margaret Macali; also 4 nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 13 from 2-4 pm at the DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Ave., Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. John’s Church, 619 Chestnut St., Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Rd., North Arlington, NJ 07031
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BAYADA Hospice, bayada.com or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, alzfdn.org.
Barbara came into my life when I was 11 yrs old. Not having a sister, I was eventually blessed with the best sister in law anyone could ask for. She always did everything in a caring and considerate way; a truly special person. I am so thankful to have had Barbara in my life.
I had more meals than I can count at the Seele’s home on Queen St in Bergenfield. “Mrs Seele” always created a warm, welcoming, (tasty) and loving place for me and scores of friends to enjoy each other and the lively and musical Seele family. Many lives were enriched by Mrs. Seele’s love, warmth, hospitality and generosity. Her memory will be a blessing.