Elaine Kellmayer Barber

Elaine Kellmayer Barber, 86, of Gloucester, NC, died on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in hospice care at home, with her two children by her side.

A Burial Rites service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 215 Ann Street in Beaufort, NC.

Born in 1938 to Charles and Elmira Kellmayer in Bridgeton, NJ, Elaine lived a life filled with love, kindness, and generosity. In junior high, she met the love of her life, Richard Barber, whom she married in 1960 after completing an English degree at the College of William and Mary. Together, they built a beautiful life, living in Utah, California and Massachusetts before settling in Beaufort, NC in 1970, when Richard joined the faculty of the Duke Marine Lab. 

Throughout Richard’s career as an oceanographer, Elaine was his partner. A dedicated proofreader and technical editor, she refined Richard’s scientific papers with precision and care. She played a significant role in the lives of his many graduate students and research technicians, with whom they formed deep and enduring friendships. Similarly, Elaine welcomed her children’s friends, from Beaufort and beyond, into her gracious and nurturing home. 

Elaine’s vivacious spirit, optimism, and genuine love for others made her a cherished presence in the lives of many, including dear friends at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she was an active member. She was known for her spirited curiosity, kindness, intellect, and equanimity. Elaine was a famously gracious host, but her greatest joy was her family. She and Richard shared a lifelong love, and were endlessly devoted to their children, Donald and Stephanie, and grandsons Aidan and Keilan. She shared a close bond with her sisters, Bernice Seibert and Mary Ella Turner, and her warmth and kindness extended to all who knew her.

Elaine traveled widely throughout her life, and she accompanied Richard on oceanographic research cruises in the Southern Ocean, the Tropical Pacific, and the Arabian Sea. In later years, though, Elaine and Richard were content being home together in Gloucester, gazing at the everchanging beauty of Core Sound and the Straits.

In addition to her parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Richard Barber; sister, Bernice Seibert; and sister-in-law, Patti Otten. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Barber Miscovich of Beaufort, NC; son, Donald Barber of Bryn Mawr, PA; grandsons, Aidan and Keilan Barber, both of Philadelphia, PA; sister, Mary Ella Turner of Hobe Sound, FL; sister-in-law, Charlotte Rowe of Marion, OH; and her beloved niece and nephews.

Elaine’s legacy is one of joy, gratitude and generosity. She touched countless lives with her kind heart and infectious spirit. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elaine’s memory may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 215 Ann St., Beaufort, NC 28516, to support the St. Paul’s Choir that was so dear to Elaine’s heart, and whose sublime Services of Choral Evensong brought her so much joy.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.