Barbara Hoey Merchant's Obituary
BARBARA HOEY MERCHANT
July 8, 1944 ---- May 3, 2023
Barbara Hoey Merchant died peacefully at her home in Edgewater, Maryland at age 78.
She is survived by Stephen, her husband of 56 years; her son, Scott and his son Charles;
her daughter, Jennifer, and her son Anthony, and Jennifer’s husband, Tre’ and his sons,
Trevor and Jacob. Barbara Jean Hoey was the only child of Henry and Jean Hoey, who
raised her in Delanco, NJ. Along with Stephen, she attended Delanco Elementary School
and Riverside High School (Class of 1962). Barbara was an excellent student and musician
(oboe and glockenspiel). She played in the RHS band, the New Jersey All-State Orchestra
and she was head drum majorette in the RHS marching band. Barbara earned a full
scholarship to Bowling Green State University (Ohio), from which she graduated in 1966
with a major in elementary education and a minor in music.
Upon their marriage in August 1966, Barbara and Stephen moved to College Park, MD, and
Barbara began her teaching career in the Prince Georges County Public Schools. In 1970,
Barbara took a leave of absence from teaching to raise Scott and Jennifer. During this time,
she taught in a local church nursery school while earning a Master’s Degree in elementary
education administration. Barbara returned to PGCPS in 1978 and was appointed a special
education wing coordinator and then vice principal in several elementary schools. In
1988, Barbara was appointed Principal of James Ryder Randall Elementary School, one of
the largest in the county, having 100 staff and 600 students including a large special
education wing. She had a deep love for teaching special needs students, and she
pursued that passion with vigor. In 1996, Barbara was honored at an awards ceremony
as one of PGCPS’s “Outstanding Educators”. Barbara retired in 2004 after 30 years’
service in the county school system.
While the children were young, Barbara and Steve enjoyed camping (tent and pop-up camper) –
Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, Quebec, Yellowstone National Park are some examples.
They also enjoyed international travel (China, Egypt, Europe, United Kingdom and Ireland) and
boating. You could often find them cruising the Chesapeake Bay on “Kemosabe” and anchoring out overnight in one of the bay’s many quiet coves. They also enjoyed hosting family and friends on
their boat in Ego Alley (Annapolis) while Barb’s favorite Jimmy Buffett songs played into the night.
She and Steve also enjoyed cruising and hanging out with their boating friends at Selby Bay Marina.
In the winter, Barbara could often be found walking the beaches of Anna Maria Island, FL.
Services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maryland Special Olympics (www.somd.org).
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?