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Barbara W. Vaughan

Barbara W. Vaughan, a longtime devoted community member of Lewes, Delaware, died October 17, 2025, in Rehoboth Beach.

She is survived by three children (Martha, Andrew, and Roger); six grandchildren (Megan, Cooper, Carrie, Emily, Eleanora, and Maxwell) who lovingly called her Babby; four great-grandchildren; and many friends. She is predeceased by her daughter Emily (1963-1974) and son-in-law Paul Parravano.

Barbara was born in 1929, in Wilkinsburg, PA. After graduating from Allegheny College, she moved to Washington DC, where she worked at the State Department, an experience that instilled in her a lifelong commitment to public service. In 1968 she and her family moved to Annapolis, MD. There she worked first as Director of Admissions at The Key School and then at Anne Arundel Community College as head of Human Resources.

After her retirement, she moved in 1992 to Lewes, where she threw herself into the life of the city and quickly became a fixture. She was elected to the Lewes City Council in 2004 and served for four terms, after which she was appointed to the city’s Planning Commission. Through the years she was also active in the Greater Lewes Community Village (later Village Volunteers), served on the Board of the Historic Lewes Byways and on the Board of the Lewes Public Library (helping oversee its recent restoration), and supported the Lewes Historical Society. In 2015 she was honored by the Greater Lewes Foundation as Citizen of the Year. Before her health began to decline in her early nineties, she remained involved and indefatigable. She was Treasurer of the local district Democratic Party (and later, Senior Advisor) and in 2016, aged 87, waged a spirited if ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the Delaware State Legislature. She was an enthusiastic participant in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, both as student and instructor, teaching popular classes on Theodore Roosevelt, the Romanovs, and the Supreme Court. A familiar figure around town on her three-wheeled bike, she loved her life in Lewes and was loved in return.

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Funeral Services

A celebration-of-life service will be held later, the date to be determined once her remains are returned from the University of Delaware’s anatomical gift program. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Lewes Public Library Endowment Fund.

Condolences

    joe stewart lit a candle and writes,
    A great lady who made unbelievable contributions to our city. Barbara, will not be forgotten, or replaced; we share many adventures together -- mostly associated with trying to achieve good things for Lewes. my deepest sympathy to her family and friends, Joe
    10/30/2025 12:49 pm
    Hugh Leahy writes,
    Kathleen and I were so fortunate to know Barbara. As a fellow Library Board member, she served with a big heart and a focus on community, informed by her wide and deep connections. Her spirit and vitality were a gift to Lewes, making a lasting difference to our town. Barbara is missed by all who knew her.
    10/30/2025 02:22 pm
    Steve Woodward writes,
    Dear Roger, Andy and Martha, I was deeply saddened to hear of Aunt Barbara’s passing. Though our family hasn’t always been tightly connected, I’ve always held fond memories of the times we shared—especially those childhood visits to the house on the lake in Annapolis. I’ll never forget how much it meant when Aunt Barbara came to visit us in Florida after my dad passed away. Her presence brought comfort during a difficult time, and I’ll always be grateful for that. One memory that still makes me smile is from when I was a teenager, driving her up to Ocala, I think to see Francie. I was convinced I was getting pulled over for speeding and, in a moment of panic, I yelled out a profanity. I was mortified—but she didn’t miss a beat. She just kept the conversation going, never acknowledging my outburst, with the kind of grace and calm that only she could manage. I loved seeing in the Cape Gazette the picture of her on the three-wheeled trike. This reminded me of Grandma Grace. Seeing her embrace something she loved so much felt like a beautiful thread connecting generations. With heartfelt condolences, Steve
    10/31/2025 09:40 am
    Jackie Sullivan lit a candle and writes,
    Barbara took me under her wing when I became the director of Greater Lewes Community Village. I learned so much from her. Sharon and I enjoyed Barbara’s vigor when she came into our gym. We send love and condolences to all of Barbara’s loved ones. Jackie Sullivan and Sharon Padbury.
    11/11/2025 03:42 pm
    Carolyn Patton lit a candle and writes,
    I remember Barbara when I enrolled at Anne Arundel Community College in the Spring of 1990. She was very kind, and a strong and effective leader at Anne Arundel Community College as the Director of Human Resources. She was very pleasant and very helpful. I was a work study student in Student Activities. God be with her family during their time of celebration of her life. May the peace and love God be with you all. Carolyn
    11/19/2025 04:49 pm

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