Barbara Elaine Arnold

barbara arnold
On December 24th, 2021, beloved wife, mom, and Gram, passed away at the age of 69 from brain cancer in comfort and peace.

Barbara was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 7th to Marion Virginia Wiley and Dr. John Jacob Arnold. She grew up in Curwensville Pa.

Barbara received her B.A. degree from The Pennsylvania State University. Barbara received a Master’s degree in Psychological Services from Marymount College and a second Master’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University while earning her certifications as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Clinical Health and Mental Health Counselor. Barbara provided mental health and substance abuse care to many individuals and families while working as a Therapist or for the Women’s Center in Vienna, Va. and as a Senior Therapist for the City of Alexandria, Va. Department of Community and Human Services serving those with mental health and substance abuse issues for many years.

On December 12, 1976, Barbara married William T. Comerford Jr. whom she met while they were both attending Penn State. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters and were blessed with four grandchildren.

Barbara had a passion for helping others, for music and singing, for the outdoors, sports of all kinds and especially golf, but most of all for her children and grandchildren. She loved hikes and to walk and talk with her friends. She loved the Beatles as well as a wide variety of classical and modern music. She sang as part of the Washington Choral Arts Society, as well as in the Vienna Presbyterian Church Motet and Church choirs for many years. Barbara was greatly loved for her graciousness, kind heart, love of life, compassion, and unselfish service to others.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Jack and mother, Marion. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughters and their spouses Allison (Todd) and Megan (Patrick). Their adored grandchildren Lucy, Griffin, Cora, and Wells as well as sister Karen Arnold Neff (Tom) and brother John Arnold (Marty) as well as a large loving family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation service will be held at Money and King Funeral Home, on January 21st from 5-7pm and a funeral service at The Vienna Presbyterian Church 124 Park St. NE, Vienna, VA. 22180 on January 22nd at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be sent to The National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel St., Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458 – 617-924-9997 www.braintumor.org

A Barbara Arnold web site has been created for further information including photos, a tribute wall, memory sharing and event details: https://www.moneyandking.com/obituaries/Barbara-Elaine-Arnold?obId=23507483#/obituaryInfo

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. We knew Barbara for decades and every time our paths crossed, her warmth, intelligence and beautiful smile made everything seem fine. Her passing is such a loss to all who loved her. She will make such a wonderful addition to our cloud of witnesses ❤️??

    • One summer morning at the Clearfield Community Pool, four girls came to try to conquer the skills of lifesaving. I was a young instructor still in college, and at 8:00 in the morning, really was difficult to get wet that early in the morning. A lot grumping and complaining, but we accomplished our goals. Barbie was one of the four along with Joanne Harzinski, BarbJohnson, and I think an Ammerman. What a great group of girls and the all the laughs and fun we had. Good memories. Judy Nisewonger

  2. The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director

  3. Barbara will be greatly missed by our family. She will be forever remembered and treasured for the wonderful person she was. Her kindness, compassion and willingness to assist others have truly positively impacted not only her family, but the people she assisted and her community. We will keep her in our thoughts and in our hearts.

  4. Barbara swan beautifully and we would see each other at the Vienna Woods pool. I am in disbelief that she is gone! Our daughters grew up together in Vienna, went to the same schools and swam at Vienna Woods too! To Allison, our deepest condolences and we are thinking of you. Your mom was always so proud of you and she is your angel in Heaven

  5. Last time I spoke with Barb we were sitting together on a bus going to a Penn State football game. She is one of the few people who when you spoke to them made you feel like she was truly interested in what you were saying. I have always had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for her. Tom Neff Jr

  6. I was very fortunate to have been mentored by Barbara when I was an extern at the Women’s Center. I will never forget her kindness and her joy of helping others. May her memory be a blessing.

  7. Karen and Family, we are so very sorry about Barbara. She was a lovely, talented person. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you a big warm hug. Pat, Blair, Flossie and Jim Murphy

  8. Barbara was an integral member of our Empty Nest Gang for 20 years. Four of us gathered together on Saturday am to walk/talk & create a new life after our last child departed for college. We became great friends and shared adventures such as climbing Old Rag, annual hikes in the Shenandoah, savoring an early morning peek at the Cherry Blossoms, celebrating our 60th birthdays/weddings of our children/St. Patrick ‘s Day parties and enjoying together the fun of baby showers for our children. Barbara was a dear friend who enjoyed life, always kind/gracious to all and who especially basked in the fun/joy of her four grandchildren and husband Bill. She will be sorely missed. May wonderful memories sustain us all. Allison, Meghan & Bill will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Kathy Scheimer

  9. To Barbaras family Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss. Growing up in Curwensville and knowing the family so well, it is very sad to hear of Barbaras death. May God Bless al of you at this veery sad and difficult time. Sincerely, the Rubbe family

  10. Barb taught me the cheers when I made it in cheerleading. She was a very kind and patient person. Sending comfort and prayers to the family!

  11. Barbara was such a dear and kind person. She was a delight to be around when we were cheerleaders together. Not surprised she was a counselor. Blessings and prayers to all of you. Renee Bireschi Woolridge


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide