Alice Stilwell and Robert “Bob” Barr Jr. spent more than two decades building a life together filled with family, laughter and simple moments of happiness.
That life ended Saturday morning when the Egg Harbor Township couple was killed in a head-on crash on Route 50 in Hamilton Township. Authorities said their vehicle was struck by a stolen vehicle occupied by several teenagers.
Together, Stilwell and Barr enjoyed cooking, tending to their garden, visiting farmers markets and spending quiet time at home with their two cats, according to their obituaries. Their deaths have left a large, blended family mourning two people whose lives revolved around those they loved.
Stilwell was the mother of Alice Stilwell Jr., Crystal Morales and April Vanaman, whom she shared with her late husband. She was also a stepmother to Jennie Stilwell Belmonte.
Known affectionately as “Mongee,” Stilwell was the grandmother of Andrew Voegtlin, Evan Belmonte, Alexander Morales, Avery Vanaman, Manuel Morales, Exavier Morales, Abigale Gilmore and Grace Belmonte. She also welcomed Barr’s children — Robert III, Brianna and Ryan — into her life.
Barr’s children were at the center of his world, according to his obituary. He cherished the times when all three could be together to talk about their plans, exchange stories and enjoy one another’s company.
His devotion to his family often found its way into the kitchen. Barr created a special, personalized cake for each of his children’s birthdays.
Both Barr and Stilwell also found fulfillment in new chapters of their careers.
Barr began his working life as a certified master mechanic. During the final 12 years of his career, he served as a bus driver for the Egg Harbor Township School District.
Stilwell spent nearly 15 years working at Hair We Are in Egg Harbor Township. She became known not only for her talent as a hairstylist but also for the warmth, kindness and personal attention she showed her clients.
Stilwell’s funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Road in North Cape May. Relatives and friends may pay their respects beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Tabernacle United Methodist Cemetery in Erma.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to Animal Outreach of Cape May County.
A celebration of Barr’s life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Lowenstein-Saraceno Funeral Home, 1114 White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor City.
Egg Harbor Township couple killed in Route 50 crash remembered for love of family
