Barbara G. Zena

Barbara G. Zena (née Gilmore), 85, passed away peacefully, at home, in the company of her loving family on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Barbara was born in Newark, NJ to Thomas Andrew Gilmore and Florence Elizabeth Beauchamp.

She married the love of her life, Joseph Zena. Together they raised two daughters, Beth and Nancy.

Barbara worked as a buyer for Kresge’s Department Store in Newark before starting her lifelong career as a mother. She was a member of, and formerly sat on the executive board of, the Woman’s Literary Club of Bound Brook. She valued the work they did for the community and the strong bonds shared among the ladies of the club.

Barbara and Joe traveled the world and enjoyed numerous adventures together. Later, Barbara continued adventuring with the Traveling Seniors. With family, Barbara especially loved going down the shore to Ocean Beach, Lavalette, and Spring Lake. She was a proud “Band Parent” and Girl Scout leader. Barbara loved being outside on her porch listening to the birds and watching the goldfinches at the feeder.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents and husband Joseph (2016).

Barbara is survived by two daughters and their husbands: Beth and Jeff Barclay, and Nancy and Peter Borowski. She is also survived by her grandchildren – Thomas Zena and wife Kristin, Joseph Barclay and wife Liat, Andrew Borowski and wife Melissa, and Julia Borowski and fiancée Will. Barbara was also the proud great-grandmother to Luana, Krystina, and Ryleigh.

Friends and family are welcome to gather on Wednesday, June 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Avenue, Bound Brook.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 214 Church Street, Bound Brook.

Burial will be private.

All services are under the supervision and care of Hagan-Chamberlain Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to the Woman’s Literary Club of Bound Brook, so they may continue to support local charities.

To Donate, go to:   https://njsfwc.org/the-club-pages/bound-brook/