Jean Chester Barrho

Jean Chester Barrho, 93, of Allison Park was called home by our Lord on September 14, 2023. 

Jean was the wife of the late Jerry W. Barrho; beloved mother of Eric W. Barrho and Sally Barrho Plumlee (Louis); loving grandmother of Daniel Grubb (LauraBeth) and Kristina Jean Strong (Will); adoring great grandmother of Harvey Daniel Grubb, Savannah Jean Strong, William Lee Strong IV and Daxton Jerry Walter Grubb. Jean was the daughter of the late Wilbert and LuMinta Chester; sister of the late Ross Chester, Syvilla Ruschell, Thelma Hess, Wilma Cowan, Walter Chester, Albert Chester, Winnifred Coyle, Gladys Marraccini, and Donald Chester. 

Jean was the youngest of 10 children, born on a farm in Eighty Four, PA. She attended business school in Pittsburgh and worked for the US Steel Research Center before meeting Jerry at the YMCA of Pittsburgh’s Outing Club. Jean’s favorite colors became black and gold and if the Pirates, Steelers or Penguins were playing, we knew what Jean was doing. 

She later worked as a teacher for special needs students at Middle Road School and Shaler High School. Jean was a member of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. She served in many capacities, including Deacon and choir member. Jean and Jerry belonged to North Hills Squares and were involved in square dancing and round dancing for 45 years. 

Jean lived a life full of serving others, but after retirement, she became an avid volunteer for the Pittsburgh Science Center, Etna food bank, Passavant Hospital, Deer Valley YMCA Camp, Parkwood Church and horse back riding for special needs children. 

Jean had many passions but she was most passionate about her family, church and her beloved Deer Valley YMCA Camp where she camped for 70 years and worked as a summer staff member in 1995. On this beautiful mountain, she found love and peace as she spent time with cherished family and friends. 

Blessed with the gift of gab and a megawatt smile, Jean considered everyone a friend and she was a magnet for babies and puppies. She was loved my many and will be greatly missed. 

There will be a memorial service to honor her life at Parkwood Church on November 4th at 11 am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkwood Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park, PA 15101 or The Deer Valley Conservancy, Deer Valley YMCA Camp, 254 Deer Valley Drive, Fort Hill, PA 15540, 800-962-2386.
 

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