Barbara Karluk of Emmaus died at home, as she wished, on January 27, 2021. Barb was the daughter of Helen and Dominic Gedman and the oldest of five siblings– Rose, Mike, MaryBeth and Donny. She grew up in Scranton where she attended West Side High School, played flute in the marching band, and was May Queen in 1964. Her first job was at Harper and Row publishers, where her boss, George, wanted to set her up on a blind date with a nice young man from the computer department. Barb was not interested. We're not sure what George said to change her mind, but thank you, George, wherever you are – Barb and Rich celebrated their 54 ^th anniversary in July.

Barb was mom to two daughters whom she loved and supported throughout their lives. She fought to make sure they had the best opportunities and she encouraged them in all they did – from sports to dance to music to pets. She was not an animal person but wound up at one time or another hosting horses, dogs, cats, birds, gerbils, hermit crabs (she really didn't like those), and even a few nursed-back-to-health backyard animals. Rich coached a girls' softball team for over 20 years, and Barb was team mom. She traveled the state and the country with the team, and along with her dear friend and fellow coach's wife Gail Greene packed lunches for the team from food she was able to cram into mini fridges in hotel rooms, washed dirty uniforms in hotel bathtubs, and wrangled last-minute dinner reservations at local restaurants for 30 players, coaches, and family members.

When her girls were older, she worked at Holtzman Oil and then later Prudential and Hartford Insurance. She worked in customer service and always enjoyed being able to help those who called. Her family grew with the addition of two sons-in law and two grandchildren. She was "Babcie" to Emily and Amanda, a name she took in tribute to her own grandmother. Although they lived hundreds of miles away, she traveled to share in all of their birthdays and other special events, bought them team uniforms and dance outfits, and as they got older, kept them supplied with gift cards to help them as they moved to college and dorms, and then onto their first jobs and first apartments.

Barb and Rich loved the beach, especially Ocean City, Maryland and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They had their favorite places to stay and returned there for years, enjoying waking up to the sound of the ocean. She also made several trips to New Orleans and even got to visit Sydney, Australia. Barb had a creative side, and created and gifted crocheted blankets, ceramics, and floral arrangements to family and friends. Barb enjoyed going out to eat and had several local restaurants that became her favorites. As she grew more ill and struggled to walk, the staffs there graciously ensured she had a table near the door so she could still enjoy a dinner out. We are so very grateful for this kindness. Manicures and hair appointments were also a treat, and Bo and Carol made sure she looked good even if she didn't feel good, and even learned to change her oxygen tanks so she could visit. Much like Waffle House closures are the barometer of the severity of a hurricane, if Barb couldn't make a nail or hair appointment, we knew she wasn't feeling well. We are thankful for Bo's and Carol's kindness and friendship.

Barb fought hard for the past five years against COPD, a relentless disease that took more and more of her breath, her mobility, and her life. We knew that COPD would eventually win, but no matter how many days we have with the ones we love, it never seems enough. We wish she had more days to watch Match Game, eat brownies, watch sunsets from her back porch, remind us the right temperature for a roast, and tell us she loved us.

We will always be thankful for the support of family and friends and dear neighbors as Barb continued her fight – from visits and phone calls that lifted her spirits, to cards of encouragement, to meals, to prayers - her burden was eased because of you. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice. Or, in her memory, have a brownie, watch a sunset, and most of all, say "love you" before hanging up the phone.  A virtual celebration of life will be held.  Please contact the family for details.  Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.