WILMINGTON — Marie Darlene Barber, 72, of Wilmington, NC, went to be with the Lord on June 5, 2025. Born on December 18, 1952, in Oil City, PA, Marie lived a life filled with love, generosity, and enthusiasm for the world around her.
Marie was a proud graduate of Cranberry Area High School. After graduating, she worked in the legal department at Quaker State Oil’s corporate headquarters in Oil City, PA. Marie devoted herself to numerous causes, including Meals on Wheels, the local food pantry and homeless shelter, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Big Sister program, touching countless lives with her compassion and kindness.
In 2014 Marie moved to Wilmington, NC, to be closer to her son, Darren Umstead, and his wife, Michelle, of Apex, NC, and her three grandchildren: Matthew, who predeceased her, Zach, and Kate. Her love for family extended to her husband, Sam Barber; her siblings: brother Joe Meehan (Pam) of Oil City, sisters Bev Marvin (Dan) of Oil City and Brenda Perry of Franklin; as well as brothers-in-law Bob Barber (Emily) of Franklin, PA, Tom Barber (Maryl) of St. Petersburg, FL, Mike Barber of Erie, PA; and sister-in-law Jane Hickman (Denny) of Emlenton, PA. Marie also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her warmth and spirit.
Marie was a confirmed Catholic and married Sam at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oil City. In Wilmington, she attended and later joined the Lutheran Church of Reconciliation.
An avid reader, Marie found joy in books, travel, and the serenity of the beach. A passionate Penn State Football fan, she cheered for the Nittany Lions with unwavering enthusiasm, though she never attended the university herself. During the Beanie Baby craze, Marie became an avid collector, delighting in the hunt for new additions to her collection.
Marie’s legacy is one of love, service, and joy. Her radiant spirit and boundless generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
