Barbara Roberts Coale, 94, of Rising Sun, MD, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023.  Born in Boyce, Virginia on August 24, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Earl G. and Ruth Huff Roberts.

Mrs. Coale began working in the mid-1950's as a cook at Calvert Elementary. She worked there for 8 years while her children attended the school. Decades later (usually at Sue's Restaurant in town) she would point out other diners to her grandchildren and say, "That woman there probably doesn't remember me, but I used to feed her up at the school when she was just a tiny thing." Later, she also worked at Fawngrove sewing factory as a bookkeeper.  She was later employed by Bainbridge and Aberdeen Proving Ground for 23 years before retiring.

Mrs. Coale was called "Barb" by her friends, most of whom knew her from card clubs she joined or formed.  She loved Canasta, Scrabble, Words with Friends and other games almost as much as she loved the friends she played with so regularly over the years. Most importantly, she was an especially devoted parent and grandparent. Even when there were challenges, she used all that she had to give her family everything they needed.  She sewed practically all of her children's clothes (and many of her own) as they were growing up and could work wonders with a needle.  From whipping up quilts to dresses to super-hero capes, she made her family feel both loved and cared for. Barbara is remembered by her grandchildren for the way she spoiled them on birthdays and Christmas, dyed eggs with them on Easter, and let them have the run of her house on frequent weekend sleepovers.  Her love and generosity were unconditional; she constantly celebrated each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for their own unique gifts.

Barbara Coale is survived by her daughter, Nora L. Vadala (Pete); daughter-in-law, Vickie Lee; step son, Gary Moore; grandchildren, Lee. E. Mink (Erin), Darrick L. Mink (Sandy), Alessandra Vadala (David Lowell), Teresa Vadala (David Beste); and great-grandchildren, Daniel, Lauren, and Emily Mink, Cody Jack and Cami Mink, Victor and Antonia Lowell, and Pete and Rosie Beste; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Muncy Lee Mink, Harold D. "Jack" Coale (her husband of 30 years), C. Ray Moore (her husband of 2 years), and her sister, Betty Bradford.

Memorial Service will be private.

In recognition of the loving care she received by hospice, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Amedisys Foundation.