Barbara Louise Brown

Barbara Louise Brown, née McClatchy, age 86, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, surrounded by her family in prayer.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the daughter of the late Richard A. and Gertrude McClatchy. She lived her life in Malvern, Pennsylvania, where she raised her family and built a life centered around her faith, family, and service.

Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Lee Joseph Brown and the devoted mother of six children: Dennis M. (Lisa); Donna M. Gronwaldt (Eric); Kenneth M. (Patricia); Daniel A. (Alyson); Karen M. Balch (Thomas); and Scot P. (Jeffrey). She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren: Melissa Cardile (Michael), Heather Roberts (Thomas), Emily, Lacie, Olivia, Megan Jeong (HeeYoung), Amanda Gronwaldt, Sarah Apostolico (Anthony), Jacob Gronwaldt, Kathleen, Kenneth, Grace, Courtney, Austin, McKenna, Lucas Balch, Chandler Balch, and Nicholas Balch; 5 great-grandchildren: Landon, Caroline, Jeremiah, Aubrey, and Wylder; her loving sister, Patricia “Penny” Gaynor; and sister-in-law, Yvonne McClatchy. She was preceded in death by her brothers Richard, James, Paul, and Thomas McClatchy.

A devout Catholic, Barbara lived her faith through decades of charitable service with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. For many decades, she devoted herself almost daily to volunteering with the Sisters, serving in soup kitchens and supporting homeless shelters. In the late 1980s, she was especially known for compassionately caring for women dying of HIV/AIDS, offering them dignity and comfort.

One of Barbara’s life mottos was rooted in the words of Matthew 25 and the familiar hymn refrain: "What we do for the least of my brothers, that you do unto me." These words were how she lived. She was also known for ending her communications with the blessing, “May God hold you in the palm of His hand,” a reflection of her deep desire that others be protected, comforted, and cared for.

Barbara will be remembered for her generosity, can-do spirit, and unwavering sense of right and wrong. She gave herself fully to her husband, children, extended family, friends, and the many people she served throughout her life. Her love was steadfast, practical, and deeply rooted in action.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church 203 Church Road Oxford, PA 19363; followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery West Conshohocken, PA at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Missionaries of Charity or, in a spirit Barbara would have deeply appreciated, offering your time in service at one of Mother Teresa’s homes or another place where those most in need are cared for.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com