Barbara L. Antosy

Barbara "Barb" Antosy, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and unforgettable presence in the lives of so many, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, at Reading Hospital after a courageous six-year fight. She was 76 years old.

Barb was born on April 20, 1950, in Far Rockaway, New York, to Mildred "Pinky" and Myron "Mike" Sprei. From the very beginning, Barb had a personality that was bigger than life and a heart that always seemed to have room for one more person to love.

For the last 20 years of her life, Barb shared her life with her husband, Jim Antosy, the love of her life. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless memories. Barb loved Jim deeply, and their bond was a beautiful testament to the joy of finding someone to share life's journey with. Through the good days and the difficult ones, they stood by each other's side, creating memories that will forever be treasured.

Barb was the proud mother of four children: Jason Krellin and his wife, Sharon Krellin, of Middletown, New Jersey; Steven Zienka of Philadelphia; Kirsty Antosy and her fiance, David Venne, of Shillington; and Aelish Brooks and her husband, Noah Brooks, of Bernville. Her children were among her greatest accomplishments and a constant source of pride. She loved them fiercely and unconditionally, and there was never any question about how much her family meant to her. Barb was also an extremely proud mother of her four beloved fur babies, Milo, Oliver, Archie, and Riley.

Her three grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, and Kalli, meant the world to her. Being a grandmother was one of Barb's greatest joys. She adored them, was incredibly proud of them, and treasured every moment she had with them. They brought a special kind of happiness to her life, and the love she had for them will live on in the memories they share.

Barb may have been little in stature, but she was hard to miss. She had a larger-than-life personality and a style all her own, often adorned in her beloved bedazzled jewelry. She sparkled wherever she went-and not just because of the jewelry. Barb was funny, outspoken, loving, stubborn, generous, and completely herself. She had a way of making her presence known, and you always knew when Barb was in the room.

She loved the Fightin' Phils, traveling, and dipping her toes in the ocean. She loved a good adventure and making memories along the way. Whether she was cheering on her Phillies, exploring somewhere new, or simply enjoying the feeling of the ocean beneath her feet, Barb knew how to find joy in the moments that mattered.

One of Barb's proudest accomplishments was something far more meaningful than anything money could buy, her years of sobriety.

Her journey through recovery became one of the most important chapters of her life. Through the program, Barb gained a family that reached far beyond blood. The friendships she made and the lives she touched became an enormous part of who she was. She celebrated her sobriety with tremendous pride, and rightfully so. Forty years represented courage, strength, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the life she had built.

Barb gave as much as she received from that community. She was there for people, supported people, laughed with people, and welcomed them into her life. In many ways, she became mother/sister/ and friend to this vast community. She was a beloved figure, and someone who simply made things better by being there. Her circle of friends was wide, and once you were in it, you were family.

Throughout her illness, Barb fought with incredible courage and determination. Through the difficult days, she continued to be herself with grace, love, laughter, and spending time with the people who meant the most to her. Her illness may have been part of her story, but it never defined her. Barb remained strong, spirited, independent, and full of life until the very end.

Barb leaves behind her husband, Jim; her four children, Jason, Steven, Kristy, and Aelish; Sharon, David, and Noah; her beloved grandchildren, Jacob, Matthew and Kalli; and her sister, JoAnn. She also leaves behind the countless friends and members of her recovery and local community who became family along the way.

Barb leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind stories that will be told for years to come, laughter that will be remembered, lessons that will be carried forward, and a love that will never disappear.

She will be missed more than words can ever say.

Rest easy, Barb. Dance your way to heaven & let your light shine forever.

A prayer service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611. Viewing and visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until the start of ther service. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.