Barbara Wade

Barbara A. Wade, 88, of Newmanstown, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Penn State St. Joseph's Hospital. She was born in Reading, the daughter of the late Robert Wade and Mary (Daly) Wade Heft. Barbara is survived by her spouse, Patricia A. Van Kirk, with whom she shared 66 wonderful years.

A graduate of Reading High School, Class of 1955, she also graduated Cum Laude from Kutztown University with a degree in Secondary Education. In 1976, Barbara earned a Masters in English, also from Kutztown University, and was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education.

In 1994, she received the Outstanding RHS Alumnus Award for writing and publishing two books about growing up in Reading in the '40s and '50s: Memories of a City and Remembrances of Reading. Her final book was Reading's Movies Memories, published in 1997. Barbara took great pride in the fact that the late author, John Updike, asked to purchase a copy as did the NY Public Library.

Barbara was employed by Bell Telephone for 15 years before becoming a teacher of English at Twin Valley High School, from which she retired. She loved all animals, especially cats, as well as books and classic cars.

In addition to her spouse, Pat, Barbara is survived by a sister, Mary Alice Bortz and her husband Donald, of Mohnton; three nieces and eight nephews. She will be greatly missed by her beloved cat, Cokie Bear. She was preceded in death by a brother, John.

Friends and relatives may call on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA 19601. A private interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Laureldale.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Humane Society of Berks County, the Animal Rescue League, or the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN, to honor Barbara's love of animals.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be recorded at kuhnfuneralhomes.com