Age 63, of Pike Creek, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10th, 2024, surrounded by family after courageously battling illness for nearly two years. Barbara was born in Delaware on October 3rd, 1960, to John David Robnett, IV and Mary Emma (Callahan) Robnett. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, before settling in northeast Columbia, South Carolina, where she spent the remainder of her childhood enjoying Windsor Lake Park Club.
She graduated from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) with a degree in Chemical Engineering and completed her co-op education at the Savannah River Site. Barbara then joined DuPont’s Engineering Service Group with assignments in the Fibers Department in Kinston, North Carolina, and the Medical Products Department in Glasgow, Delaware. She then transferred into the Medical Products Department permanently and advanced through DuPont Pharmaceuticals (briefly, DuPont Merck), ultimately becoming the Director of Chemical Manufacturing. In 2002, Barbara started her own pharmaceutical consulting business, allowing her to continue making an impact on the production of life-saving medications while pursuing her love of international travel.
Barbara met her husband, Keith, at the DuPont Glasgow Site and they were married at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, on October 7th, 1989. They welcomed children Marie and Matthew and created many treasured family memories, traveling to National Parks, beaches, and Robnett family gatherings. Barbara’s compassion touched the lives of everyone who knew her, and through her children and grandchildren her legacy of love and generosity will continue.
An active and devoted member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Barbara served as Church Council Chair, was a founding member of the Praise Team, and sang in the Chancel Choir. She was deeply involved in the Delmarva Walk to Emmaus/Chrysalis Community, serving once as weekend Lay Director and participating as a musician on many other teams. Most recently, she was honored to hold the position of Community Lay Director of Delmarva Walk to Emmaus.
Barbara was a dedicated Phillies fan and a proud season ticket holder, attending countless games with Keith and their family. She had a passion for cooking (and eating) great food and enjoyed preparing family recipes, especially her beloved Caramel Pecan Dream Bars, which she shared with friends during Christmastime. Her extensive world travels for both work and pleasure earned her the prestigious Concierge Key status, American Airlines’ highest loyalty rank, an accomplishment she took great pride in.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her father-in-law Robert Gallion. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Keith Gallion; children Marie Swasy (Brad), Matthew Gallion (Alexandra); grandson Jack Swasy; siblings Betty Ann Joye (Kenneth), Christopher Robnett (Dixie), Mark Robnett (Susan), James Robnett (Nancy), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; mother-in-law Roberta Beeson Gallion and brother-in-law Kenneth Gallion.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the many Christiana Care medical providers and staff, especially her hematologist, Dr. Zhifu Xiang, at the Helen Graham Cancer Center, for their care and support during Barbara’s illness. Special thanks go to the National Marrow Donor Program (formerly Be The Match) and, with deepest appreciation, to Barbara’s bone marrow donor for his selflessness, which allowed for many more cherished moments.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 1700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19804, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow the service in St. Mark’s Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church or to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP.org) and encourages everyone to join the donor registry.
