Nancy Hooven Barr, 78 of West Haven died Easter Sunday morning, April 9, 2023 at the Grimes Center in New Haven. She was the wife of William K. Barr, aka "Railroad Bill." They were married for fifty years. She was born on September 20, 1944 in Trenton, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late James and Dorothy Hooven. In addition to her husband, she is survived by brothers Lynn Hooven of Macon, Georgia, Ralph Hooven of Lambertville, New Jersey and a sister Jane Glass of Elk Ridge, Maryland.

Mrs. Barr graduated with a degree in education from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. She later taught for several years in public schools in New Jersey and later in the City of New Haven. She later began a career in accounting, insurance and real estate. Her most recent position was Chamberlin Insurance in West Haven.

Mrs. Barr was an active member of the Golden Rod Chapter, #34 of the Order of the Eastern Star of Annawon Lodge. She rose through the chairs and served as Chapter Worthy Matron several times. She was also elevated to the position of Grand Worthy Matron of the State of Connecticut, where she oversaw all Eastern Star State chapters of AF&AM affiliations.

She was a communicant of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in West Haven, where she sang in the choir.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Mrs. Barr at the Holy Spirit Parish, 28 Church Street, West Haven THIS FRIDAY, April 14th at 10:00 a.m., with the Reverend Dr. Kathryn Greene-McCreight as celebrant. The Golden Rod service will begin just prior at 9:45. Internment of cremains will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, 871 Campbell Avenue, West Haven. Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.