Barbara A. "Barb" Hrinya, 76, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the Gatehouse of Divine Providence Hospital.
Born April 30, 1948, in Williamsport, she was a daughter of the late Thomas M. and Violet A. (Williamson) Hrinya.
Barb graduated from Williamsport Area High School in 1966 and went on to complete her nursing education at the Williamsport School of Nursing in 1969. It was there that her exceptional skills in obstetrics were recognized with an award at graduation. Barb's career in nursing spanned an impressive 42 years, during which she served in the surgical services department at the Williamsport Hospital. Her passion for nursing was not just in her duties but also in the relationships she built; she was a mentor to many nurses, sharing her knowledge and experience with warmth and patience, and she cherished the camaraderie she shared with her colleagues, both nurses and surgeons alike.
Outside of her professional life, Barb was an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, where her faith and sense of community were an integral part of her life. Those who knew Barb will remember her for her thoughtfulness and the kindness that she extended to everyone around her. She was a person who found joy in giving, whether it was through her time, her skills, or her presence.
Barb's love extended to all creatures, particularly to cats, which held a special place in her heart. Her home was a haven for her feline friends, and her care for them reflected her overall nurturing nature. In her leisure time, Barb was also an avid craftsperson. She found joy in needlework and various crafts, creating beautiful pieces that often became cherished gifts for family and friends.
Barb's family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her sister Leslie A. Scarborough (Terry) of Galway, NY and her brother Dennis M. Hrinya of Cogan Station. Each of them held a unique and treasured place in her heart, and she in theirs. Barb took immense pride in the accomplishments of her niece, Emily Scarborough (Piero Lamelza), and her nephew, Thomas Scarborough (Savannah). She treasured the moments spent with them and was grateful for the wonderful spouses they found, who became cherished members of the family.
A memorial service to honor the life of Barb will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 7 at Knight-Confer Funeral Home, 1914 Memorial Avenue, Williamsport. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at Knight-Confer Funeral Home.
Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family in Wildwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Sierra Club Pennsylvania c/o North Central Pennsylvania Group Sierra Club PA Chapter, PO Box 60823, Harrisburg, PA 17106.
In a final message of gratitude, Barb would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her close friends for their kindness and care. She was deeply appreciative of the support and companionship they provided throughout her life, and while she may not have named them here, they will undoubtedly know who they are, as her gratitude was often expressed in her actions and her unwavering loyalty.
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