Barbara Ellen Harper - Obituary

arbara Ellen Harper, age 82, an 11-year resident of Annapolis and previously of Forked River, NJ, died August 29, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with acute leukemia. She was born June 20, 1944, in Newton, NJ to the late Joseph and Charlotte Haas. Growing up in Newton, she lived without an indoor toilet until the age of thirteen. Barbara was a teacher for 33 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed entertaining, decorating, thrifting, and playing the penny slots at various establishments around the Annapolis area—sometimes all in the same day. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Kenneth Harper, a wonderful man who kept her in line. She is survived by her children, Justin (Katrina) Harper of St. Leonard, MD, and Preston (Tiffany) Harper of Stevensville, MD; as well as her grandchildren, Hudson, Gibson, Thomas, and Ava, who affectionately referred to her as “Bubbi.” Besides her hobbies, Bubbi was famous for her unique take on life, most notably declaring that "fried onions make the best poopers." A celebration of life for Barbara will be held at a date to be determined. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.