Barbara Jean St. John died on January 10, 2021 from the effects of COVID‐19 at
the age of 96. She was born Barbara Jean Sperry on April 28, 1924 in Saginaw,
Michigan, the second of four daughters of Don and Nancy Sperry: Nan, Barbara,
Sue, and Donna.

She moved with her family to Mission, Kansas, when she was a
child and attended Shawnee Mission High School and Kansas State University. At
K‐State she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and the 1941 homecoming
queen. It was there she met John M. St. John of Wichita, Kansas and they were
married November 8, 1942, in a ceremony at her parents' home. They moved to
Wichita where John worked as a flight test engineer for Boeing during the war.
They had three children: Sperry, John, and Sue. From 1942 to 1960, the St. Johns
moved often, living in Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Michigan before
moving to Swarthmore in 1960. A year later they relocated to Moylan, where
Barbara lived until her husband John's death in 1988. She then returned to
Swarthmore. Through all her moves, Barbara maintained close bonds with her
extended family and especially her sisters, who vacationed together at Wonder
Lake and visited each other often.

Barbara was an active member of the community throughout her life. She was
a member of Trinity Episcopal Church since 1960, where she served on Altar Guild
and was among the founders and longtime stalwarts of the Trinity Thrift Shop.
She enjoyed her friendships in several Swarthmore bridge clubs over the years.

An avid gardener, Barbara spent many of her happiest hours working in her yard
and garden. She was active with the Gardeners of Rose Valley with whom she
worked on local beautification projects and later, elaborate prize‐winning entries
at the Philadelphia Flower Show. For many years, she volunteered at
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College where she loved distributing plants
to returning students each fall, creating flower arrangements for display on campus,
and continuing her education in all things horticultural well into her 80s.

She was a loyal friend, colleague and neighbor and a devoted wife, mother, sister,
grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and great aunt. She died with her
granddaughter and namesake Barbara St. John White, a nurse, by her side.

Barbara is survived by her youngest sister, Donna Borgstrom of Wallingford;
daughter Sperry Lynn Garber of Saginaw, Michigan; son John G. St. John of
Lake Arrowhead, California; 9 grandchildren, and 11 great‐grandchildren.

Due to COVID‐19 virus precautions, a memorial service will take place at a
future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in her name
to Trinity Episcopal Church, 301 North Chester Road, Swarthmore, PA. 19081
or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home  15 E. 4th Street Media, PA 19063

www.haganfuneralhome.com