Barbara Ann Doyle

October 11, 1937 - May 13, 2026

Barbara Ann Doyle, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Barbara was born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. She was the third of four children born to Murray and Lillian Hyams. A gifted athlete and handball player, she became the champion of a citywide handball competition in 1952. Her childhood was filled with cherished summers in Long Beach, New York, where she enjoyed gatherings with extended family and friends at the “Patio” on New York Avenue. It was in Long Beach, at the age of 20, that Barbara met her husband, Richard Doyle. The two shared 62 years of marriage and chose to raise their family in this beautiful beach town.

While raising their four children in Long Beach, Barbara built a remarkable legacy of community involvement and volunteer service. Among her many roles, she served as a Library Board trustee, PTA President, member of the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, CYO girls’ basketball coach, Girl Scout leader, and was the ultimate hockey mom, having helped establish the Long Beach Ice Hockey Association.

Barbara was deeply supportive and involved in her children’s lives, encouraging academic achievement, participation in sports, volunteerism, and a strong work ethic.

Following Richard’s retirement in 1991, the couple traded the beach for the mountains and moved to Hobart, New York. They quickly embraced their new community, making lifelong friends and becoming active community members. Although Richard retired, Barbara continued working full-time until the age of 77 at Phoenix House–Belle Terre in South Kortright, New York. Barbara carried on her lifelong commitment to service by volunteering as an EMT and organizing beloved community events, including the annual Horseshoe Festival in Hobart and the Scarecrow Festival in Stamford, New York.

In 2017, due to Richard’s health concerns, Barbara and Richard relocated to Ocean Township, New Jersey, to be closer to their daughter and her family. There, they enjoyed life in the Primrose Place community and quickly formed new friendships. Never one to sit still, Barbara swam daily in the outdoor pool and enthusiastically organized the annual Super Bowl pool.

After Richard’s passing in 2020, Barbara eventually moved to assisted living and later to long-term care as she faced age-related dementia. She fought this battle with courage, strength, and grace.

Barbara loved to cook and entertain, hosting countless family gatherings and celebrations, always preparing enough food for an army. Her home and table were open to anyone in need of a warm meal or welcoming company. Her Thanksgiving feasts became treasured family traditions, and her daughters continue to honor her legacy by recreating her famous cornbread stuffing and sweet potato soufflé.

An extraordinary multitasker, gifted organizer, and math whiz, Barbara accomplished more in a day than most could in a week. She gave herself selflessly to her family, friends, and anyone in need of help. She devotedly cared for her parents in their later years and lovingly cared for her husband, Richard.

Barbara adored animals, especially dogs, and welcomed the many strays her children brought home over the years. She also loved gardening, sewing, and crafting, often creating beautiful arrangements and displays for her volunteer activities. An avid reader and passionate sports fan, she cheered enthusiastically for the New York Giants and New York Rangers and was always the loudest fan in the room.

Above all else, Barbara cherished being “Grandma.” She was a source of unconditional love, warmth, and strength. She made each grandchild feel uniquely special, showering them with affection and wisdom. Barbara was truly a light of love, kindness, and generosity with a beautiful heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Richard Doyle, and brother, Joseph Hyams. She is survived by her daughters, Rosanne Ryan (Jack), Noreen Klaess (Francis), sons, William Doyle (Alison Kerr), John Doyle (Sean Brown), granddaughters, Kelly Ryan (David Fixler), Colleen Ryan, Chloe Klaess (Chloe Sobel), Daisy Klaess, Ella Doyle, Dakota Hufford Brown, great-granddaughter,Rowan Hufford, sister, Janet Katz, brother, Arthur Hyams (Janet Wikler), cousin, Joanie Stern (Bob), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and dear friend, Maggie Stultz-O’Brien.

Funeral service and burial will be held privately at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, New Jersey, under the direction of Reilly-Bonner Funeral Home, Belmar, New Jersey. In place of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara’s memory to Caregiver Canines/Caregiver Volunteers of Central NJ. 201 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753

Website: https://caregivervolunteers.org/get-help/caregiver-canines

Donations: https://caregivervolunteers.org/giving/

In Memory of Barbara Ann Doyle