Barbara Mary Knowlton, age 76, of Bloomsburg, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at her home under the care of VNA Hospice. Barb was a resident of her home in Bloomsburg for over 44 years.

She was born on Sunday, May 12, 1946, in Hamburg, NY, a daughter of the late John and Virginia (Jaroszewski) Szalda. Barb graduated from the Hamburg High School, Hamburg, NY in 1964. Barb expanded her education by graduating with a nursing degree. On February 8, 1975, Barb married her loving husband, John K. Knowlton. She was employed by Geisinger Medical Center as a Registered Nurse until her retirement in 2012 and received a Nurse Excellence Award.

Barb was a special sister, aunt and great aunt. She remembered all of us always. Birthdays, special dates, births, weddings, holidays, always with kindness and love. She would think nothing of traveling to the Seattle area for fun, work and/or relaxing with the kids. Smiling and joking (and teasing) with all.

One year when we were visiting her in Bloomsburg, she took the 9 kids to an amusement park, paid for all the rides and rode most of them herself with the gang. Eight times on the roller coaster laughing for hours. Even though miles separated us most of our lives she brought her own brand of love and happiness thru visits, phone calls and letters. One year when the Seattle crew was visiting in PA, our great aunt Emily was dying in Buffalo. She drove not once but twice back and forth to Buffalo in 24 hours so we could see our aunt.

Barb took many cruises with us over the years. In Hawaii while her brother was snorkeling in some unfriendly water he turned towards the boat, and there was Barb paddling out with a swim noodle and a huge smile on her face, not wanting to miss out on the fun. The family in Seattle will never forget her and her huge heart.

In addition to her parents, Barb was also preceded in death by a stepbrother, Jim Meyers.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 48 years, John K. Knowlton of Bloomsburg, a brother, John Szalda and his wife Joan of Seattle, WA, a half-brother, Robert Todak and his wife Merry Lou of Lockport, NY, two nephews and seven nieces.

A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Columba Catholic Church with Rev. Richard J. Mowery, celebrant. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in Elan Memorial Park, Bloomsburg. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Knowlton family.

Memorial contributions in Barb's name are suggested to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or the SPCA, 2801 Bloom Road, Danville, PA 17821.