Obituary of Barbara Ann Wren

Barbara Ann Gallagher Wren,86, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Allied Services Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre, with her husband and family by her side. She was born in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of the late Elijah Gallagher and Doris Thomas Gallagher Angelo. Barbara attended Meyers High School. Prior to her retirement, she was employed for many years in the food service department at King’s College. Barbara was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Wilkes-Barre. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her. Barbara lived a life full of simple joys and treasured moments. She had a passion for ceramics, often crafting beautiful pieces that now serve as keepsakes for her family. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren—whether it was enjoying ice cream outings, shopping trips, or family vacations filled with laughter. Her warm presence and joyful spirit made every gathering special. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Lucille Lamb Gallagher; her step-father, Albert Angelo; her sister, Kathleen M. Gallagher Degnan and her husband, Eugene Degnan; and her brothers, Elijah E. Gallagher Sr. and his wife, Gertrude Minelli Gallagher, and William A. Angelo. Barbara is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard S. Wren Sr., and by her children, Richard S. Wren Jr. and his significant other, Holly Mayhue, Wilkes-Barre; Tammy E. Kellar and her husband, Gary, Hanover Township; Timmy A. Wren Sr. and his wife, Melissa, Glen Lyon; and Russell E. Wren and his wife, Amy, Shavertown. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Her Pastor, Rev. John S. Terry, will be the celebrant. Entombment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Barbara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton for their care and compassion, and to the staff at Allied Hospice Center for their guidance and support during her final days. Condolences may be sent by visiting Barbara’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com.