Barbara Kurzenknabe

Barbara Jean (Dick) Kurzenknabe, 79, of New Cumberland, PA, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, after battling the effects of a stroke she suffered six months prior. She was born on October 18, 1946, in Harrisburg, to the late William and Margaret (Klein) Dick.

Barb was raised in New Cumberland and graduated from Cedar Cliff High School in 1964. She earned a Bachelor’s in English from Susquehanna University in 1968, completing graduate coursework at Penn State University and the University of Hawaii, and earning a Master’s in Education from Shippensburg State College in 1972.

Barb devoted nearly 30 years to secondary education as a high school English teacher, spending the majority of her career at her alma mater, Cedar Cliff High School. She sought to inspire a lasting love of literature in all those who stepped foot in her classroom.

Barb married Glenn in 1972, forming a strong household built on shared values. They often joked that they had been raised by the same parents in different houses.

A woman of deep faith, Barb loved God above all else and lived her life guided by that devotion. She was a member of Baughman Church in New Cumberland and previously served as a Stephen Minister at Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church.

As a teenager, Barb was active in Rainbow Girls. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star with Steadfast Chapter No. 479 and later with Old Bellaire Chapter No. 375. She was also a life member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, the Cumberland County Chapter of Pennsylvania School Retirees, a retired life member of the National Education Association, and a member of The New Cumberland Olde Towne Association.

Barb loved crossword puzzles, needlepoint, and was always content with a good book in hand. She was an active member of the Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, serving as president and secretary, and especially enjoyed Ruth’s Mystery Group. She also served for many years as the judge for the Harrisburg Chapter No. 76, National Sojourners High School Patriotic Essay Contest.

Barb enjoyed cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and family gatherings with her extended family. As a wife and mother, she was patient, loving and deeply caring, yet always honest. Her greatest joy was being “Grandma” to Connor and Caden.

Surviving Barb is her husband of 53 years, Glenn R. Kurzenknabe; her sons, Mark Kurzenknabe (wife, Jennifer) of Hummelstown and Paul Kurzenknabe of Mechanicsburg; grandsons, Connor and Caden; a sister, Kathy Bailey (husband, Gilbert) of Lititz; a brother-in-law, Karl Kurzenknabe of Camp Hill; and several nieces, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.

A public memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Baughman Church, New Cumberland, with Rev. Dr. Leslie Towsey and Rev. Joshua Davinsizer officiating. Her final resting place will be in the Columbarium at Sell Chapel at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.

Barb’s family would like to thank Messiah Lifeways and Hospice of Central PA for their genuine and compassionate support and professional care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Barb’s name to The Friends of the New Cumberland Public Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, PA 17070; Baughman Church – Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, 228 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070; or to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.