Barbara Whelan Fund
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Barbara Whelan was a lively, active, energetic person. She was a swimmer, runner, rugby player - anything athletic. As one of the first NYC female ocean lifeguards, she always carved her own path - a drive born of the fact that she was one of eight siblings and wanted a way to stand out. She was generous to friends and family with her support and advice and she pulled no punches telling you what she thought. A devoted St Saviour alumna - she valued the lessons learned and friendships formed in this all girls high school in Brooklyn. She worked in the Business world for several years as a “9 - to - 5’er”, then made a decision to return to school in mid-life and become a registered nurse. It was not too long afterwards that she recognized something was wrong.
Barbara attended St Francis College in Brooklyn in the early 1970’s. Always a competitor, she made her mark there by swimming on the men’s swim team in the era when Title IX was first emerging. She was a pioneer and critical factor in initiating the St Francis College Women’s Swim Team . Before Title IX, only 1 in 27 girls played high school sports. There were virtually no college scholarships for female athletes, and female college athletes received only two percent of overall athletic budgets. Title IX was enacted 46 years ago on June 23 – the same day of Barbara’s passing.
Our dear friend Barbara Whelan was first diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago and has been fighting ever since. When leukemia first reared its ugly head, Barbara and her family began the long battle. Because cancer cells were found in her brain, her treatment options were very aggressive. With two young sons at home, she chose the option that would hopefully allow her to see them grow up. Chemotherapy regimens, brain surgery, and removal of a cancerous kidney followed. Barbara was a trooper and rarely complained, but the treatments took their toll and left her debilitated. Her joy was her two boys, Alec and Charlie and her loving husband Josue who was devoted to her care - even in her last weeks - as it was Barbara’s express wish that she be at home.
Our dear friend Barbara Whelan passed away on Thursday June 23, 2016. She was at home those last days surrounded by friends, family and neighbors whose lives were touched by this vibrant woman. Barbara left behind a legacy of laughter, love, and living life to the fullest.
After 11 years of fighting, she also left behind many bills that need to be paid.
Your contributions will help the family pay for funeral and medical costs as well as go towards tuition for her son’s last year of high school and college education. We hope you will embrace Barbara’s spirit of generosity and help ease the debt her family faces along with her painful loss. Your donations will be gratefully appreciated.
Margie Joyce Reilly and Janet Timlin Fash
Barbara attended St Francis College in Brooklyn in the early 1970’s. Always a competitor, she made her mark there by swimming on the men’s swim team in the era when Title IX was first emerging. She was a pioneer and critical factor in initiating the St Francis College Women’s Swim Team . Before Title IX, only 1 in 27 girls played high school sports. There were virtually no college scholarships for female athletes, and female college athletes received only two percent of overall athletic budgets. Title IX was enacted 46 years ago on June 23 – the same day of Barbara’s passing.
Our dear friend Barbara Whelan was first diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago and has been fighting ever since. When leukemia first reared its ugly head, Barbara and her family began the long battle. Because cancer cells were found in her brain, her treatment options were very aggressive. With two young sons at home, she chose the option that would hopefully allow her to see them grow up. Chemotherapy regimens, brain surgery, and removal of a cancerous kidney followed. Barbara was a trooper and rarely complained, but the treatments took their toll and left her debilitated. Her joy was her two boys, Alec and Charlie and her loving husband Josue who was devoted to her care - even in her last weeks - as it was Barbara’s express wish that she be at home.
Our dear friend Barbara Whelan passed away on Thursday June 23, 2016. She was at home those last days surrounded by friends, family and neighbors whose lives were touched by this vibrant woman. Barbara left behind a legacy of laughter, love, and living life to the fullest.
After 11 years of fighting, she also left behind many bills that need to be paid.
Your contributions will help the family pay for funeral and medical costs as well as go towards tuition for her son’s last year of high school and college education. We hope you will embrace Barbara’s spirit of generosity and help ease the debt her family faces along with her painful loss. Your donations will be gratefully appreciated.
Margie Joyce Reilly and Janet Timlin Fash
Organizer and beneficiary
Margie Joyce Reilly
Organizer
Hoboken, NJ
Josue Torres
Beneficiary