Barbara M. Colombo's Obituary
Barbara Colombo, of Milton, DE, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on June 28, 2026. Born in Camden, NJ, on April 16, 1937, she was the daughter of the late George and Lydia (Shlam) Diem.
Barbara, along with her husband, Jack, created a life centered on hard work, determination, and a deep love for family. Over the years, they owned and operated a restaurant, motel, and valet parking business. They were married for more than sixty years and shared their lives with family and friends, many of whom became like family. They had a way of making people feel welcome, creating connections that lasted a lifetime.
Barbara shared her mother's passion for swimming and dedication to helping others. Her lifelong love of long-distance swimming, water ballet, and teaching others to swim never left her. Even well into her later years, Barbara could often be found beyond the breakers, swimming long distances in the ocean with the ease and confidence of the athlete she had always been. She grew up lifeguarding, competing in swim meets, and teaching swimming.
Barbara also shared her mother's desire to help others. Both volunteered independently with the Red Cross for many years. Barbara assisted local families after fires and other tragedies and traveled to Florida several times for extended stays to help communities recover after hurricanes. She later worked in home health care, caring for others with the same compassion she showed throughout her life. Whether through her volunteer work, her career, or simply helping someone who needed it, Barbara made a difference in the lives of many.
Barbara inherited her love of Philadelphia sports from her father. She often talked about watching Phillies games with her dad, and those memories stayed with her throughout her life. She and Jack were devoted fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers and enjoyed spending evenings outside listening to games on the radio together.
Barbara's love of reading began as a young girl. She often stayed up late reading under the covers long after bedtime. Other than Philadelphia sports, television never interested her much. Instead, Barbara almost always had a book in her hands and, during retirement, often finished a novel in a single day.
Barbara had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for the beach. She and Jack traveled the world together, exploring new places and creating lifelong memories. Barbara also loved driving and made many cross-country trips, both with Jack and on her own. Music and dancing were another lifelong joy that she shared with Jack. They loved to dance, especially the jitterbug, and Barbara never needed a reason to get up and dance. If there was music playing, chances were, Barbara was dancing.
One of Barbara's favorite stories to share was about driving to the top of a mountain in Colorado on a narrow road with no guardrails and only one lane for traffic. It was one of many adventures she loved throughout her life. While others may have been nervous, Barbara wasn't. She never saw a challenge she didn't believe she could overcome, and she embraced every adventure that came her way.
Family was Barbara's greatest joy. She celebrated every birth, every visit, every phone call, and every holiday. Barbara treasured every opportunity for her family to come together and loved hearing what everyone was doing. Along with Jack, she built a family that extended beyond relatives, making lifelong friends wherever they went. Barbara always found time for people she cared about, and if someone needed her, she was there.
Above all, Barbara will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness, warmth, strength, and generosity touched the lives of so many. She loved deeply, gave freely, and made everyone around her feel welcome. Her love for her family and the example she set will remain with those who knew and loved her forever.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her son Jeffrey, her husband, Jack; her brother, George; her grandchildren Steven Niessner Jr. and Heather Niessner; and her great-granddaughter Cekaiya Alexander.
Barbara is survived by her children: Norman Niessner Jr., Paul Colombo (wife Lisa), Terrilynn Alexander (late husband Clarence), Steven Niessner (girlfriend Christine), David Colombo, Lisa Colombo, and Jack Colombo (wife Justine). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Sonya Dandy (late husband Robert), Norman Niessner III (wife Shanna), James Niessner (wife Lori), Charity Nelson, Paul Colombo Jr., Clarence Alexander Jr. (wife Tayna), Joseph and Janelle Alexander, Sharon Stuckey (husband Jerome), Brandon Niessner (wife Kelsey), Mason, Liam, and Colton Courtney, and Madison and Colette Colombo. Barbara was also blessed with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy.
A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes, Delaware, on September 14, 2026. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at 12:15 p.m. at Irish Eyes, 213 Anglers Road, Lewes, Delaware.
Barbara's legacy of kindness, perseverance, generosity, and love for her family will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Please sign Barbara’s Tribute wall at this site.
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