Barbara Rose McDonough (Hettinger), born October 12, 1930, died peacefully at her residence the afternoon of April 19, 2026, with her daughter Lynn Chalfoun at her side. She was 95.

Born at Hackensack Hospital in New Jersey, she grew up in nearby Teaneck and Hasbrouck Heights. In 1948, after graduating from Teaneck High School, she attended Bethany College in West Virginia earning a degree in biology in 1952. After graduation she was employed at a number of pharmaceutical companies, engaged in research and testing. During this time, she became reacquainted with Richard McDonough whom she had known since high school. Their first date was at Palisade Park in New Jersey. They were married on May 30th, 1957.

Richard and Barbara first lived in New Milford, NJ and enjoyed tennis, swimming, canoeing, camping, gardening, photography, and most of all travel. Setting out in a Volkswagen Bus they traversed much of the United States over the course of several years, then set off to more distant, international destinations.

Their first child, Glen Barry, born in 1966, passed away while still an infant. Lynn Louise was born in 1967 during a year-long work transfer in Illinois. Neal Warren was born in 1969 when the family moved to Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. In Ho-Ho-Kus, Barbara was an active member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, the local garden club, and the Audubon society. She also served as a Girl Scout leader. She was active, through successful grassroots organizing, in protecting the local environment from harmful pesticide usage.

In 1986 the family moved to Warren, NJ. Barbara and Richard continued to travel extensively, researching and reading the history of the places they would visit and sharing their knowledge and stories with friends upon return.

In 1992, immediately after retirement and with both children in college, Barbara and Richard moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. They became active members of numerous clubs and organizations including the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club, Bear Canyon and Palo Duro Senior Centers in Albuquerque and Meadow Lark in Rio Rancho, the Siglo de Oro RV Club of New Mexico, and the Palo Duro Philatelic Society. Barbara's husband of 52 years passed in 2009.

Barbara's home for her last 9 years was Coronado Villa, a senior living community in NE Albuquerque. Here she was able to share her love of world exploration with her newfound community. In addition to her "travel talks," she led a bi-weekly exercise class, knitted sweaters for babies at the local hospital, sang karaoke, danced, and continued to travel extensively. Before she stopped traveling in 2023, she had visited 48 U.S. States, 91

countries and all 7 continents. Archeology, anthropology, history and the desire to know and understand other lands and cultures were a central passion of her life. Barbara put care and dedication into raising her children, taking care of the family, and being an active member of any community of which she was a part.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Richard P. McDonough, her son Glen McDonough, and her parents Charles and Katherine Hettinger. She is survived by her children Lynn Chalfoun (David) and Neal McDonough, and her grandchildren Andrew Chalfoun and Emrys (aka Miriam) Chalfoun.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at Coronado Villa Retirement Community, 6900 San Vicente Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Albuquerque's Women's Housing Coalition.