Barbara Jean Noble Moore, 89, formerly of Chadds Ford, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 18.
Barbara was born March 6, 1936, in South Portland, Maine, and though the years may have passed, she was never truly old — a woman full of light, laughter, and a youthful joy that never dimmed.
Barbara Moore was known as Barbara to most, “Grandmama” to her grandchildren, and “Bobbie” to her Mount Pleasant girlfriends. You could find her in the kitchen if she wasn’t out fishing alongside her beloved partner, Paul Scarborough. A true beach lover, Barbara could often be found with her toes in the sand and a mystery novel in her hands.
Barbara was also a woman of great desire and vision, especially when it came to the arts. Her devotion to visual expression began in the vibrant era of the mid-1970s. As an art director of the Chadds Ford Gallery, her knowledge, eye for beauty, and warm spirit made her a renowned art curator and expert in the region. Ultimately, her journey solidified her commitment to the world of art.
When the Chadds Ford Gallery relocated to Florida, Barbara decided to take a leap of faith and open Barbara Moore Fine Art. It was a bold move, but she was determined to showcase her passion. Her vision was to create a space where art could be celebrated. Barbara Moore Fine Art is a testament to her dedication and love for art.
Art was not just a calling, but also the heart of her love story with Paul; their shared appreciation for creativity and beauty is what first brought them together and continued to bond them through the years.
She was never without a fresh cup of coffee and a newspaper nearby, and in the evening often enjoyed her signature “big girl drink”: vodka with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice in a long-stemmed glass — served up, with rocks on the side.
Barbara is survived by her brother, Donald P. Moore (Mary), her son Lawrence Noble (Ann), her daughter Dawn Noble Jackson (Jon), her son David Noble (Tonya Weaver), her grandchildren, Jaime Ann, Kendel Lyn, Virginia Lee, Thomas Jonathan, and Ava Grace.
Barbara is preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy A. Moore; her father, Lawrence H. Moore; her sister, Patricia Truitt; and her granddaughter, Isla Noble.
Barbara’s warmth, wit, and zest for life will be missed beyond measure.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gebhart Funeral Home in Claymont, Del.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to the Sanderson Museum, 1755 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, and or Brandywine Battlefield, 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, places of historical preservation dear to her heart.
