Barbara Ann Baldosaro

Barbara Baldosaro (nee Ylagan), 81, of Lake Wales, Florida passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2022. Born in Newark, NJ, Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Tom; her four children Mary (Chris), John (Tammy), Barbie (Jerry) and Tommy (Colleen). She is also survived by the grandchildren she adored: Bobby (Nicole), Jeffrey, Dana (Roork), Tyler, Cole, Christina, Jayson and Juliet. She also doted on her great grandchildren Taylor, Jonathan, Logan, Ava and Brystol. She also will be missed by her only sibling, Mary, who will especially miss their Sister’s day every Monday.

To know Mom was to love her. She never took herself too seriously and always enjoyed having people around. Her complete inability to EVER sit still and do nothing, always benefited all who knew her. Standing a robust 5’ tall, she was a great cook (short order cook?) and baker. She made all our favorites … gravy (yes, the red stuff is gravy!) and meatballs for Dad, seafood pasta for Mary, apple pie for John, snow crab legs for Barbie and cheesecake for Tommy. Her constant motion was not limited to the kitchen, she crocheted the most beautiful afghans and baby blankets for her friends and family. She also was handy with the sewing machine, making the curtains that hung in our home for years and years.

When she was not cooking or crocheting, she made the most beautiful homemade, decorative candy for holidays and wedding favors. She put her heart and soul into this work, but never cared to make a lot of money … people always offered to pay more, and she refused. She just wanted to keep herself busy and help other people … that was always at the center of everything she did.

She also enjoyed doing puzzles and playing ALL kinds of games with her family and friends, card games and board games, it didn’t matter, she just wanted to have fun! While she did not win often, she became a very good loser and accepted all the harassment that came with it! And no one in our family would pass up an opportunity!

Mom spent the first 63 years of her life in New Jersey, meeting the man she would ultimately spend 61 years with and raising 4 children. Things weren’t always easy, but there was always love … and Mom was at the center. Hosting many holidays, family picnics and celebrations, our house was always active. When softball season came and Mary was playing short second (yes, she’s shorter than Mom!), Mom was cheering her on … when John wrestled, she was in the stands acting as if she was going to take the mat! She never missed a game for any of her kids.

The last 18 years have been spent in Florida, enjoying the warmth and new friendships. Our parents remained active with their bowling leagues, card playing and spending time with their good friends. They got to show off their amazing dancing skills at the clubhouse dances. During their retirement in Florida, they also travelled often: islands, cruises, Las Vegas, and her favorite destination … New Jersey, to see her loving family.

It was Mom’s wish that there be no services upon her passing. She didn’t want anyone to make a big deal about her. She may have been small and unassuming, but her heart was the biggest there ever was. No one gave better hugs. Mom will be missed terribly but will always be in our hearts. We have a lifetime of memories to share with each other and ask that you share your memories with us. She will truly live in our hearts forever.

For those who wish to honor her memory, donations in Barbara’s name may be made to the Cardiac Fund at Inspira Health Foundation. Checks should be made payable to Inspira Health Foundation, with “Cardiac Fund – Barbara Baldosaro” included in the memo section. Checks should be mailed to 159 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. Additionally, you can make your gift securely online at: www.InspiraFoundation.org/GIVE. A letter will be shared with the family notifying them of your thoughtful act.