Barbara Brecht Parsons, 4/21/1938 - 8/23/2026

Barbara Parsons (Brecht), 88, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at Brittany Pointe Estates in Lansdale, PA on August 23, 2026.

The daughter of Barbara and Raymond C. Brecht and the oldest of two children, Barbara was born in Harrisburg, PA and raised in Glenside, PA. She graduated from Abington High School in 1956 and attended Ursinus College where she earned a BS degree in Biology. She proudly served as the president of the Alpha Sigma Nu sorority and was named the May Queen in the annual Ursinus May Day pageant in 1960.

During her senior year at Ursinus, Barbara volunteered at Abington Hospital and was introduced by her mother to Dr. Robert (Bob) Parsons, a new resident doctor on the hospital’s staff. Barbara and Bob were married in June of 1960, and for 66 years they never spent a day apart until Bob's passing in July 2026. Together they raised two children, Susan and Robert, Jr. in Jenkintown, PA – close to where Bob worked in family practice in Rockledge, PA.

A deeply committed volunteer and lifelong music enthusiast, Barbara served on the board of the Ocean City Pops. She was also involved in fundraising for Jeanes Hospital, was a member of the Doctors’ Wives group, and served on the board of the Abington YMCA.

In addition to her charity and fundraising activities, Barbara worked part-time in her husband’s medical practice. She enjoyed summers with family in Ocean City, NJ, and her children and grandchildren have fond memories of their time with her playing on the beach and dancing at Ocean City’s annual Night in Venice party.

Barbara was a talented pianist and writer, and she had a beautiful singing voice. She loved to write poems, some of which were published in local newspapers – and this was a source of great pride for her. She was also an avid knitter, needle pointer, and performer. At Brittany Pointe Estates, Barbara was a singer in the choristers and performed many comedy skits in the shows put on by the residents. She always loved being on stage.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bob Parsons and brother, Robert C. Brecht. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Ritter (Bob), her son Robert, Jr. (Sue), her grandchildren Jack, Tom and Jenny Parsons and Katie, Chrissy and Bobby Ritter, and four great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the wonderful nurses, aides, and staff at Brittany Pointe Estates, WillowBrooke Court, Upper West Side, for their devotion and care of Barbara. They are true angels.

Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to the Acts Legacy Foundation Samaritan Fund, which supports residents of Brittany Pointe and other Acts Communities who have experienced unexpected financial need.