Barbara Ann Horan
6/13/1935-4/21/2026
On April 21, 2026, Barb entered the “Big Rink” in the sky. She passed peacefully on her own terms, at First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst, North Carolina. She was lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time with her family and many friends in her final days. Not everyone is afforded the opportunity to say goodbye, as evident in her final Facebook post.
Barb was a force to be reckoned with. She was an amazing athlete from the age of 10, competing in speed skating and kayaking. Many winters were spent training on Lake Sebago in New York & summers paddling. In the early 1970s, she started her career in power skating and skating instruction. In 1977, she earned a gold medal in senior speed skating at the Empire Games.
Along with her husband Frank, they established youth hockey programs in the 70s and 80s at Rock Ice Arena, Sport-O-Rama, Low Tor Ice Arena, Englewood Field Club and the Mackey Ice Arena. Together, they coached Saint Joseph’s Regional High School Hockey Team in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, from 1977-78 through the 1984-85 season. The 1980 hockey team was inducted into the New Jersey High School Sports Hall of Fame. They are the only husband and wife coaching tandem in school history. She had a tremendous impact on countless young lives both on the ice and off.
After 38 years in youth hockey, Barb & Frank retired to North Carolina. Settling in Seven Lakes, in Moore County, Barb became very active in tennis. Her tenacity for competition led to her to play at a level surpassing her age, even going to state championships with her teammates. Her “Mom’s Night Out Group” that she started was legendary.
She will be lovingly missed my her husband of 50 years, Frank, her sister Nancy Falasca (Joseph), daughter Chris Ann Sarrubbo (Steven), son Edward Budrock (Helen), son-in-law Alan DeRosa, grandchildren Katherine Luterek (James), Daniel DeRosa (Chrissy), Samantha Keane (PJ), Keri Harnedy (Sean) Alix Affinito (Chris), Emma DeRosa, Gabrielle Sarrubbo (Alex), Sophia Russo (Brett) Rebecca. Her great grandchildren, Avery, Sydney, Hunter, Madison, Nico, Hailey, Thomas, Kyla, “Adopted” daughter Sally Marshall & her children, Tucker & Ellie. As well as many nieces & nephews and their children. A special shout out to her many friends, especially Jo Copper & Gloria Dickson.
She was predeceased by her parents, Geneiveve & Adolph Springel, brothers Donald Dermond & Russell Dermond and daughter Susan DeRosa.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 7 Sparrows at 1163 Seven Lakes Drive, West End, NC 27376, or on their website at 7sparrows.org.
Services are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home & Crematory of Aberdeen.
