By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Barbara McKeefery’s discerning and creative touch is evident throughout the Sea Isle City Historical Museum.
As the museum’s curator, she was influential in the creation of many of the most notable exhibits and displays.
They include the centerpiece exhibit showcasing more than 20 vintage wedding gowns, the oldest dating to 1880, worn by Sea Isle brides over the years.
Now, the museum volunteers are thinking of ways to honor McKeefery, perhaps with an exhibit or a special tribute, following her death Dec. 10 at the age of 70 after battling cancer.
“She’s sorely missed,” said Joyce Molter, the museum president. “We will do something special in her honor.”
McKeefery’s influence in Sea Isle spread well beyond the confines of the museum. For 30 years, she illuminated the lives of countless students as a devoted teacher in the Sea Isle and Dennis Township public schools, according to her obituary.
Her passion for history and culture led her to become vice president and curator of the Sea Isle City Historical Society and Museum, her obituary noted.
Molter and Abby Powell, a former museum president, recalled how McKeefery dedicated much of her time and energy toward overseeing some of the best-known exhibits, including the wedding gown display.
“She would change things around so it would be fresh,” Molter said. “Being from Sea Isle and growing up in Sea Isle, she had a handle on what would be important to Sea Isle and what people would like.”
Barbara McKeefery, at far right, joins with other members of the Sea Isle City Historical Museum for the December 2022 dedication ceremony of a vintage carousel horse.
Powell pointed out that McKeefery was as well-acquainted with Sea Isle and the local residents as perhaps anyone in town.
“She knew everyone. If you had a question about someone or something in Sea Isle, Barb was the one you went to,” Powell said.
McKeefery’s role in the creation of the wedding gown exhibit was one of her major achievements. Molter noted that the pristine collection of wedding gowns resonates with the women and girls who visit the museum year after year.
“People come in and see that, and it’s a big thing. Women and little girls come in and see that and say, ‘Aww,’” Molter said.
McKeefery was also influential in the creation of another notable museum exhibit that features military uniforms and other memorabilia from different wars in tribute to local servicemen and women, Molter said.
Of deep sentimental value to McKeefery was her personal collection of Santa toys and figurines that served as treasured reminders of the old-fashioned Christmases she would celebrate with her late parents, Emma and Fred Fourqurean, and her brother, Dale.
Barbara McKeefery, left, and then-Museum President Abby Powell admire some of the old-fashioned Christmas decorations on display in 2021.
McKeefery had hoped that the toy Santas, ornaments and other decorations she sprinkled throughout the museum during the holidays would remind visitors of the wonderful Christmases they had while growing up.
“It makes me happy that people can remember the good times in their lives,” she said in a December 2021 interview with SeaIsleNews.com.
McKeefery had used her personal toy collection to help decorate the museum for Christmas for more than 10 years. Sadly, she was too ill to continue the tradition this year.
“She was very stoic. She never complained. I never knew how sick she was because she never complained,” Powell said of McKeefery’s battle with cancer.
Deeply invested in her community, McKeefery was also an active member and volunteer of countless public events and organizations such as The Endicott-Reardon Family Museum, Upper Township PTO, Dennis Township Municipal Alliance Committee, Sea Isle City Fire Department and both Trinity and Sea Isle Methodist church preschools.
“Barbara’s life journey was marked by devotion, creativity, and an endless capacity to care for others,” her obituary said.
The obituary added, “Barbara’s loving and creative spirit, warm presence and selflessness will be profoundly missed by all those whose lives she touched.”
Barbara McKeefery helped to create the museum's centerpiece exhibit that features more than 20 vintage wedding gowns worn by Sea Isle brides.
McKeefery was married for 46 years to her husband, Robert. Contacted by phone Tuesday, Robert said it was “a little too early” for him after Barbara’s death to publicly speak about her.
Powell spoke of McKeefery’s devotion to her husband and other family members, including her daughters, Devon and Molly, and her grandchildren, Xavier and Tanner.
“She was always there for her grandkids and kids,” Powell said. “It was a really cute relationship.”
Molter said the love and admiration that the community felt for McKeefery was reflected in the large turnout for her viewing Dec. 14 at a funeral home in Cape May Court House and during her memorial service Dec. 16 at the United Methodist Church in Sea Isle.
“I think everyone who lives in Sea Isle in the winter was there,” Molter said.
