On November 11, 2025, Barbara Merel Stafford (nee Eister) passed away. She was the beloved wife of Robert Stafford; devoted mother of Laura Stafford (Carl Fiorentino) and Steve Stafford (Christina); loving grandmother of Katelyn, Emily, and Olivia Stafford. Cherished sister of Judith Goodman and Kathleen Vidinghoff.

Barbara was born May 15, 1946, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to William Merriell Eister and Merel Jane Eister. She was raised in Havertown, PA and was a graduate of Haverford High School and York College. She met and married Robert Stafford in 1966. They resided in Pennsylvania until moving to Towson, Maryland in 1974. It is here they raised their children and still reside today. Barbara had a career in medical billing/coding for various physician practices in addition to raising her family. She played tennis, golf and was always an avid sports fan. Her pride and joy was watching and supporting her granddaughter's various athletic events either in person or virtually.

She had a wide circle of friends and enjoyed entertaining. She loved to cook.  Special requests were always made for her signature dishes – coffee cake, crab soup, chocolate delight bars, crème de mint brownies, etc. The beach was her happy place no matter the location: Ocean City, NJ, Dewey Beach, DE, Hilton Head, SC and Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral, FL. Whether traveling by cruise ship, train, land, or safari she loved to vacation and see the world. She enjoyed live music both local and big concert artists.  Seafood was her passion to catch and eat: fish, clams, crabs, and oysters.

Her biggest talent was the ability to keep in touch and remember people. She made countless handmade baby blankets for friends and family.  She religiously sent handwritten notes/cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. She coordinated many get-togethers for family and friends so that everyone stayed connected.

Her husband of almost six decades made her laugh every day and they enjoyed many years of love and adventures. Above all, Barbara will be remembered for her laughter, love of family and kindness.

A celebration of life event will be held at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara's name for the American Heart Association www.heart.org or The Chesapeake Bay Foundation www.cbf.org