Barbara Haggerty

Barbara Anne Furber Haggerty, age 66, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away surrounded by love on Monday, October 29, 2018. Born the daughter of the late Ruth and Kenneth Furber on May 5, 1952, she was the oldest of three girls and a leader from the start. She had a natural charisma that drew people in, but it was her kindness and compassion that made her a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, boss and friend. 

Barb earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from Edinboro University. Barb graduated from McDowell High School in 1970. 

In 1974, while working at Hamot Hospital as a speech therapist, she met the love of her life at the Plymouth Tavern, where she worked part-time. She married Michael Haggerty on August 21, 1976, and together, for the next 42 years, they built a business, a family and a life together.

Barb was the Plymouth Tavern for over 40 years. She was so many things to so many people. She was the designer, marketer, rule-maker, enforcer, confidante, counselor, cook, bartender, community ambassador and volunteer.

Barb was passionate about her community and gave freely of her time. The many beneficiaries included the Montessori School, the original Downtown Improvement District, the Ophelia Project and the Erie Art Museum.

Above all, Barb was a wife and mother. Together, Barb and Mike built a home and grew their family with daughters, Erin and Ali. As a mom, Barb was patient, loving, encouraging and most of all a best friend. She created many happy memories for her family—early morning talks, holiday celebrations and beach vacations at Moonglade. She loved the ocean and being someplace special with her loved ones, from the beaches of the Caribbean to the mountains of Nepal.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Kenneth Furber; her infant sons, Michael and Matthew Haggerty; her aunt and uncle, Marilyn and Robert Young; her mother-in-law, Marion Haggerty; and her former brother-in-law, Robert Sitter.

Barb is survived by her husband, Mike; her two daughters, Erin Duffy (Dan) and Ali Stevenson (Philip); her sisters, Patti Sitter (Mike Deck) and Julie Bissinger (Mark); and her grandchildren, Patrick, Peyton and Lauren Duffy. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, John Haggerty (Maureen), William Haggerty (Janet) and Carol Semrau; as well as her nephews, Rob (Chelsea), Nick, Luke, Nate, Mark (Doreen), Greg (Nancy) and Adam, and her nieces, Colleen (Rob), Karen, Katy (Nick) and Emily (Tom). She is further survived by her goddaughter, Quinn; her life-long friends, Becky, Karen and Sue; and her confidantes, Cheryl, Debbie, Don and Neil.

Barb, Barbie, Mommy, Nanny Barbie and Aunt Barb—you left us as you lived, with beauty, integrity and grace. We love you.

Friends and loved ones may call on Friday, November 2, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Avenue), Erie, PA. At the request of the family, the funeral service will be private.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers (though she loved them!) to the Erie Art Museum at erieartmuseum.org.