Obituary of Barbara Jean Rath

Rath, Barbara Jean (nee Gravino), age 73, of Totowa, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2023, with her family lovingly by her side. Early in life, at only 16, Barbara met her soulmate, Ronald. They have celebrated 51 blissful, loving years together. Barbara was a godly woman and had a deep relationship with The Lord. She enjoyed countless family vacations at the Jersey Shore, baking her amazing Christmas cookies, and festive family holiday gatherings. She absolutely loved animals, especially cows and her cherished dogs over the years including Cookie, Holly, Lacey, and Snickers. For Barbara, family was everything. Barbara was a beautiful person inside and out. She deeply touched the lives of all who knew her. Her warm smile, kindness and compassion filled the room and hearts of everyone. She will be deeply missed but her love lives in our hearts. Born in Paterson, she lived in West Paterson before moving to Totowa. Barbara graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a teaching degree. She was employed by the Totowa Board of Education as a dedicated 1st and 2nd grade Teacher at Washington Park School and Memorial School for 30 years before retiring in 2012. Beloved wife of Ronald Rath of Totowa. Loving mother of Jennifer Caggiano and her husband Joseph of Totowa and Laura Gregory of West Orange. Devoted grandmother of Nicholas Caggiano, Ashley Caggiano, Aaron Gregory and Elliot Gregory. Dear sister of Patricia Wellema. Caring aunt of Cheryl Diaz, William Wellema, David Wellema and Laura Yurga. As Barbara wished, friends and family are invited to celebrate her life and share happy memories at a Memorial Gathering on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa with a prayer service at 8:00 PM. Cremation was private at the request of the family. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated. For more information, go to www.festamemorial.com.