Barbara Jane Sciulli, of Branford, Connecticut, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on September 2, 2025. Her final years were marked by increasing physical discomfort, but also by unwavering courage and love.

Born in Darby, Pennsylvania on March 31, 1941, Barbara was the daughter of Raymond and Doris Ammlung.

Barbara devoted her early career to nursing, beginning at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia before completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania. She later worked at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, California. After stepping back from nursing to raise her family, Barbara poured her talents and energy into community life.

She volunteered in Pasadena local schools and later in Irvington, New York, where she and her family lived from 1981 to 2016. In New York, Barbara became an avid participant in local archaeological excavations. Visitors to her home might find tables covered with shards of pottery, which she patiently and meticulously pieced together to restore precious artifacts. She also shared her love of books and learning while working for several years as an assistant librarian at the Irvington Public Library.

In 1995, Barbara was instrumental in the community effort to resurrect the long-dormant Irvington Historical Society, securing and renovating the historic McVickar House as its home. She then served for many years as its Curator, building an archive and catalog system to preserve locally historic antique clothes and treasures. She was well known for curating a range of fascinating exhibits at the McVickar House on subjects from bridal dresses to books to hats to village history and folklore. She passed on her passion and skill by supporting others to create their own exhibits. Her leadership and generosity were recognized with the Village of Irvington’s Adele M. Warnock Good Citizenship Award in 2011: https://www.irvingtonny.gov/241/Barbara-Sciulli—2011.

In addition, Barbara was a gifted costumer for productions at Irvington High School and the Irvington Town Hall Theater. Barbara designed, fabricated, and fitted thousands of costumes for generations of Irvington children and adults involved in local theatre between 1984 and 2015. Her artistry and dedication made her beloved in the community and in high demand for decades of productions in Westchester County.

Most of all, Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Frank Sciulli; her daughters Joanne Sciulli of Branford, and Alisa and devoted son-in-law Gordon Brown of Ithaca, New York; her cherished grandchildren Zoë Brown and Kimora Sciulli; and her sister Diane Mikolasy of Millville, New Jersey. Her family will always remember her for her warmth, humor, encouragement, and unconditional love.

In keeping with Barbara’s wishes, she will be cremated, and no formal services will be held. We encourage you to share your memories of at her virtual Tribute Wall: https://www.shorelinecremation.com/obituaries/Barbara-Jane-Sciulli?obId=45166614&source=EmSh. The family will gather privately to celebrate her life. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Planned Parenthood in lieu of flowers.

Barbara will be lovingly remembered as a woman of strength, creativity, kindness, and integrity – someone who gave much to her family, friends, and community, and whose presence brought joy to all who knew her.