Barbara Ann Konopka, 75, of Union Dale, PA died Tuesday, July1, 2025 at the Gardens for Memory Care at Easton. Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Gerard and Dorothy Engelhardt Wade, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marywood University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Widener University, where she also completed doctoral work. Earlier in her professional career, she served as Charge Nurse for the Community Medical Center’s (CMC) Intensive Care & Cardiac Care Unit and the Emergency Department and later became the Nurse Manager of CMC’s Emergency Department. She then dedicated herself to teaching and became an outstanding nurse educator at Marywood University and Penn State University. She published numerous works in nursing texts and served in multiple leadership positions in the Pennsylvania State Nursing Association. Her work was recognized with multiple awards for clinical care, education, and scholarship.
Barb was an intelligent, funny, no-nonsense person who liked her cat and her privacy. Surviving are a niece and goddaughter, Dr. Aileen Gariepy, NY and a nephew, John Gariepy, Scranton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Mary Ann Morgan
July 11, 2025 at 5:40 pm
Barb was a cherished friend ,who i also had the honor of having as a teacher. I could never thank her enough for all she had taught me and how she encouraged me to be a better me.
Ann Marie Murazzi
July 11, 2025 at 6:27 pm
Sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. May she rest in peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Vincent Pollino
July 11, 2025 at 6:27 pm
Barb was a true professional, outstanding nurse and mentor, excellent teacher and instructor. The Emergency Department was well run and excelled in patient care during her directorship. Excelled as a teacher and instructor at Marywood, Penn State University, as well as ACLS and CMC courses. You will be MISSED. RIP Barb.
Paulette Nish
July 11, 2025 at 7:27 pm
Barb was always ahead of the curve in nursing practice and theory. She mentored everyone. She was outstanding at the bedside and as a clinical professor. I am certain her nursing students learned so much from her. Hope that Barbara is at peace. Condolences to her family
Debbie Clark
July 11, 2025 at 9:03 pm
I had the pleasure of working with Barb in the ED. She was a great mentor and educator. Survived her ACLS and PALS classes, studied under her at Marywood and learned so much from her. RIP Barb
Sharyn Wozniak
July 11, 2025 at 11:38 pm
I worked with Barb at CMC in the ICU. She was a wonderful person and a very good nurse.Barb was a lot of fun. Rest in peace, Barb
Mary Jackson
July 12, 2025 at 6:18 am
Barb was always wonderful to me! She was a mentor, always teaching
She was professional but so kind. I have so many specific, cherished memories. She was also funny!
An expert in her field
Maggie Gillott-Fountain
July 12, 2025 at 2:16 pm
What can I say that’s already been said. She was one of my mentors and taught me to be fearless to give 110%. Her passion for caring and knowledge was something that she passed on to her coworkers and to her students. Barb Rest in peace your tour has ended.🙏🏼
Kathy Carney
July 13, 2025 at 8:55 am
I worked with Barb for over 10 years at Penn State. She became a good friend and colleague. She was hard worker and knowledgeable faculty member. May she rest in peace.
Patricia McCormack
August 10, 2025 at 6:00 am
I was an eager pre-med student volunteering in CMC’s E.R. back in the ‘80’s, and Barb was one of the many kind and welcoming staff whom I was fortunate to shadow and learn from. She was a really sweet person and a great teacher. God bless her. RIP.
Cindy Davis
August 10, 2025 at 2:12 pm
May perpetual light shine upon her.