Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Barnes Zahn of Gloucester, passed away on April 22, 2026 with her family by her side. Betty was born on November 17, 1933 in New York, New York, to the late Matthew and Magdalena Barnes. Betty graduated from the College of New Rochelle and began a career teaching at PS69 in NYC. Always the learner, she later attended Loyola University, obtaining a master’s degree in religious education in 1990. Through their overlapping friends’ groups, she met George Zahn. Their first date was the result of George’s friend double booking himself for a college dance, asking George to lighten the load and escort Betty to the event (Thanks, Artie). On February 2, 1957, they married during a major snowstorm in New York City and enjoyed 69 years of marriage. After spending their early years in Glen Cove, New York, where their boys were born, she and George moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where three girls joined the family. She and George raised five rambunctious children, who have added much joy and love to her life. After moving to Gloucester, she became active in the community, including serving as a Girl Scout leader for Troop 183, volunteering with the Gloucester Historical Society and the American Red Cross, serving as a Swimming Instructor, and serving on the Gloucester County School Board, among numerous other causes. Betty was also involved at St. Therese Catholic Church, serving as a religious education teacher/coordinator for several years and as a member of the Theresians and Sojourners groups. Betty spent 56 wonderful years at Tree Lodge, the family home, with her husband, children, and extended family, cherishing life on the Ware River, sailing in Mobjack Bay, and nurturing her beloved family, including birds. Betty was the best of the best as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, always sending thank-you notes and checking up on those she hadn’t heard from in a while. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary L. Barnes, and her great-granddaughter, Rosie Zahn. Survivors include her husband, George; children, Peter (Penny) Zahn, George (Lisa) Zahn, Ann Zahn, Martha (Warren) Goodman, Kate Helwig (Michael Hobert); grandchildren, Matthew (Julia) Zahn, Mark (Erin) Zahn, Nick (Liz) Zahn, Zack (Georgia) Goodman, Madeline Helwig, Cole Helwig (Lindsey), Elijah Zahn, Rosemary Zahn, Caroline (Adam) Veneris; great-grandchildren, August Zahn, Nora Zahn, Freya Zahn, Hazel Zahn, George Zahn, and Ruby Zahn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family received friends on Tuesday, April 28, from 10-10:45 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, 6262 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 o’clock, and a reception in the social hall. Inurnment will be private. Betty requested that attendees wear colorful clothing to celebrate her vibrant life. The family suggests memorial contributions to Gloucester Bread for Life Pantry, P.O. Box 61, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic, P.O. Box 684, Gloucester, Va. 23061.
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.