Ann Barlas

Evangeline Ann Barlas (nee Vafeades) passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Friday, April 3rd at the Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care in Scotch Plains, NewJersey.

Ann was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on October 31, 1941 to Greek immigrant parents James and Dorothy Vafeades (nee Alexiades). Raised in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, she often spokefondly of growing up in authentic small-town America where “everybody knew everyone” and where she spent her youth climbing the mountains picking and eating wild blueberries.

After graduating Mahanoy City High School in 1959 she studied nursing at the Misericordia University School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1962. She spent the early part of her career in pediatrics, at a family medicine clinic in Anaheim, CA, and as a surgical/recovery room nurse at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ. It was in geriatrics, however, where Ann found her true calling. Her meticulous attention to detail and compassion guided her in caring for both the physical and emotional needs of those under her care. At the Brook Wood Convalescent home in Saddle Brook, NJ Ann rose to the position of Director of Nursing and built a reputation as a tough but fair boss and fierce advocate for her patients. She retired as a hospice nurse, a role she called her “most challenging but most rewarding.” Ann found tremendous solace in comforting those at the end of their lives and ensuring they never felt alone.

A devoted Greek Orthodox Christian of tremendous faith, she was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff, NJ where she served as an usher, reader, and an active member of the Ladies Philoptochos, Daughters of Penelope, and knitting club. Every year she could be seen running the cash register at the end of the food line at the Church’s annual Greek Fest. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, she could be heard proudly singing the Orthodox liturgical hymns in both Greek and English every week from her pew.

Even better than her singing was her cooking. Ann enjoyed carrying on her Greek traditions while feeding her family and friends. Her vasilopita, spanakopita, and pastitsio recipes were highly sought after. Often imitated, they were never quite duplicated.
Ann cherished life’s little pleasures. She enjoyed playing Rummikub, was an avid reader, gardener and (with her knowledge of Latin, Greek and English) was a formidable Scrabble opponent. She passionately loved her rescue dogs; Rusty, Fuzzy, Patches and Archie. To all who knew her, she was loyal, passionate, resilient, independent and fierce. Most of all, she was a loving mom.

Ann is predeceased by her loving parents James and Dorothy and her loving brother Tommy. She is survived by her loving son, Matthew Barlas, her daughter Kari Barlas, her grandchildren Tyler Malek and Jessica Malek as well as many loving cousins, family members, and friends.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 13th from 4-8pm at the Higgins and Bonner Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave, Westfield.  Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, April 14th at 11am at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Wyckoff, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield.