Barbara Byrnes Cincera, 80, of Emmaus, died Jan. 27, 2025 in Lehigh Valley Hospital of complications from her chemo treatment for breast cancer.  Barb passed peacefully with her husband and children by her side.

She was the wife of David L. Cincera, and together they spent 58 years of sharing, working together, playing, laughing, crying, and celebrating their family's many experiences and adventures.  Barb always said that she and Dave were a real team, and they remain so.

Born in Red Bank, NJ, she was the daughter of the late John and Lorraine (Geyer) Byrnes.  After marrying Dave, Barb savored her role as stay-at-home mother, fighting fearlessly for her children. She was the builder of a thriving family, keeper of family finances, and eventually balancer of all things while Dave traveled for business.  Her energy, enthusiasm and humor set her apart as she raised her children with a boundless love that became her legacy.

As her children became more self-sufficient, Barb went on to earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Cedar Crest College and a master's degree in social work from Marywood College in 1982.  She started her work life working with dialysis patients and later transitioned to her own adolescent addiction counseling practice.  Barb was passionate about helping others, empathetic in all her relationships, and was an advocate and encouraging voice for the countless adolescents that she helped to heal.

In retirement, Barb loved knitting, reading, electronic games, and watercolor painting. When COVID hit and the world closed down, Barb reached outward, knitting beautiful baby blankets for Lehigh Valley Health Network's pediatric NICU as a way to give of herself and stay connected to others in need. Barb also relished her time spent with family and friends as they shared the ups and downs of life.  She nurtured a special connection with each of her grandchildren and, as a wonderful listener, she continued to serve in a helping way to all who crossed paths with her.  What a remarkable gift she had.

Barb is remembered with so much love by her husband, Dave; son, Brian D. Cincera and wife Tina; daughter, Jill E.C. Freret and husband Mike; daughter Amy J. Cincera; grandchildren, Reilly, Brennan, Decker, Griffin, Isabelle, and Mo; and siblings, John Byrnes and wife Jeanne, Laurie Bosman and husband Ruud, Sharon Herman and husband Steve, and Dan Byrnes.

A celebration of Barb's life will be announced at a later date.  Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mosaic SA, whose vision is to help orphan and vulnerable children across Africa find a loving and caring family, where they can realize their God-given potential (https://mosaicsa.org/).