RARITAN, NJ — With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Barbara E. McManus, age 79, a loving wife, stepmother, step-grandmother, sister, and friend. Barbara passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey. She was born on July 7, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to theContinue Reading
RARITAN, NJ — With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Barbara E. McManus, age 79, a loving wife, stepmother, step-grandmother, sister, and friend. Barbara passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey. She was born on July 7, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Mildred June and Francis Xavier Lorbecki Jr.
Barbara graduated from Camden County College with an associate degree in arts and sciences and computer science. She later attended Rowan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.
Barbara built a distinguished career in meeting management, serving as an independent planner and Vice President Meeting Management for events ranging from small, high-level gatherings to citywide conventions. Much of her work focused on the pharmaceutical and computer software industries.
She specialized in site searches, site visits, site selection, contract negotiation, safety, security, and emergency preparedness. Over the course of her career, Barbara held roles as a Project Manager for Value Computing, Assistant Vice President of corporate events for Computer Associates, and Logistics Manager for Ciba-Geigy. She retired after 11 years as Vice President Meeting Management at Embryon.
Barb loved to travel, and her work gave her many opportunities to plan meetings across the country. Hawaii was her favorite vacation destination, and she also traveled to the South Pacific and the United Kingdom.
Her family was blessed to share several wonderful cruises with her in recent years, including a transatlantic cruise to England and another to Alaska. Barbara also had a special love for the Jersey Shore, especially Stone Harbor.
A devoted cat lover, Barbara cherished the cats she had over the years and loved her fur babies dearly.
Barbara will be sadly missed by her husband of 35 years Stephen, her step-children, her step-grandchildren, her siblings Karen Lorbecki Grimley, James Lorbecki and wife Elizabeth and Julie Lorbecki Ferenz and husband John Clark and many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are private.
Cuoco Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Barbara E. McManus.
To share a fond memory of Barbara or to offer a condolence to her family, please visit our Tribute Wall www.Cuocofuneralandcremation.com
Dorothy Zahran
left a message on July 13, 2026:
Prayers and condolences to Karen and family on the loss of your dear sister. Love, Dorothy & Zack Zahran
The Neumann family
left a message on July 11, 2026:
The Neumanns convey their condolences. Barbara was our "big" cousin to whom we looked up to in our youth. We continued to admire and love her throughout our lives. She will be missed. --Nancy, Paul, Steven, Joann
Janet Pickover
left a message on July 8, 2026:
My deepest sympathy to Steve and Barbara's family. Barbara and I have been friends, colleagues and even my client for many years. We shared so much about our work and families. Our telephone conversations were never short. I know you will keep her in your hearts, as I will. I will miss her dearly.
Janet Pickover
Betty Dow
left a message on July 7, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. She was my manager for several years at Embryon and helped my career greatly. I was fortunate to have had breakfast with her several weeks ago and had plans set for another. My sympathies go out to her dear family and friends.
Gloria Nelson
left a message on July 7, 2026:
My heartfelt condolences to all those family and friends who love Barbara. She leaves a huge gap in the hearts of many. I am so blessed to have called her friend. Steve, lifting you up in prayer, especially along with Karen. Heaven just welcomed an angel.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
ANDREA GOLD
left a message on July 4, 2026:
Sending condolences and memories... Barbara educated us with her amazing professional experiences in the meetings and travel worlds with fellow meetings industry members on an educational meetings forum. I also enjoyed her stories through emails shared between us. Despite her illness, Barbara threw that to the wind and took some trips “down the shore” and a cruise. I respect that because it took courage given her condition -- but she did it with grace – and she loved it all. RIP, Barbara.
sue walton
left a message on July 4, 2026:
There are no words, but PEACE to all. Barbara will be missed by our entire meetings community.
Sincerely, Sue Walton co-Founder of the MeetingCommunity (MeCo)
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Dorothy Zahran
left a message on July 13, 2026:
Prayers and condolences to Karen and family on the loss of your dear sister. Love, Dorothy & Zack Zahran
The Neumann family
left a message on July 11, 2026:
The Neumanns convey their condolences. Barbara was our "big" cousin to whom we looked up to in our youth. We continued to admire and love her throughout our lives. She will be missed. --Nancy, Paul, Steven, Joann
Janet Pickover
left a message on July 8, 2026:
My deepest sympathy to Steve and Barbara's family. Barbara and I have been friends, colleagues and even my client for many years. We shared so much about our work and families. Our telephone conversations were never short. I know you will keep her in your hearts, as I will. I will miss her dearly.
Janet Pickover
Betty Dow
left a message on July 7, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. She was my manager for several years at Embryon and helped my career greatly. I was fortunate to have had breakfast with her several weeks ago and had plans set for another. My sympathies go out to her dear family and friends.
Gloria Nelson
left a message on July 7, 2026:
My heartfelt condolences to all those family and friends who love Barbara. She leaves a huge gap in the hearts of many. I am so blessed to have called her friend. Steve, lifting you up in prayer, especially along with Karen. Heaven just welcomed an angel.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
ANDREA GOLD
left a message on July 4, 2026:
Sending condolences and memories... Barbara educated us with her amazing professional experiences in the meetings and travel worlds with fellow meetings industry members on an educational meetings forum. I also enjoyed her stories through emails shared between us. Despite her illness, Barbara threw that to the wind and took some trips “down the shore” and a cruise. I respect that because it took courage given her condition -- but she did it with grace – and she loved it all. RIP, Barbara.
sue walton
left a message on July 4, 2026:
There are no words, but PEACE to all. Barbara will be missed by our entire meetings community.
Sincerely, Sue Walton co-Founder of the MeetingCommunity (MeCo)
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.