Barbara A. Mlambo

Barbara A. Mlambo, 65, of Lititz, beloved wife, mother, and sister, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, December 30, 2021. Born in Star Lake, NY, she was the daughter of the late Richard VanGelder and Muriel Stockton VanGelder Gardner; and the step daughter of Goodwin Gardner of Canton, NY. Barbara was the loving wife of Max Mlambo and they observed their 28th wedding anniversary in May of this year. Barbara received her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New Mexico University. In various positions, Barbara provided counseling to troubled youth and caregiving to dependent persons. For several years Barbara and Max served as house parents for Friendship Community, Lititz. She was an active and faithful member of High Point Community Church, Ephrata; and at one time worked in their administrative office and volunteered with the Men’s Breakfast Fellowship. Barbara volunteered for Blessings of Hope Food Bank, that was positioned in Lancaster County but had a great impact not only in Lancaster County, but throughout Pennsylvania, and New York. She loved to read, cook and bake. “Beth & Babs” were the cookie ladies, who told memorable tales on WJTL Kid’s Cookie Break at Christmas time. Barbara had a quick wit and was rarely speechless. She could maximize the punchline in any story that she told. Beyond caring for her family, Barbara had a passion to help those with disabilities gain their maximum potential.

Surviving is addition to her husband Max, is a daughter, Qanda Debra Mlambo of Buena Park, CA, a son, Qondisa David Mlambo of Denver, a twin sister, Bethany, wife of Gary McMullen of Willow Street, a brother, Eric VanGelder of Eliot, ME, and a sister, Ellen VanGelder of Concord, NH. Barbara had two nephews, Michael McMullen, York, and Gabriel McMullen, Lancaster, and two nieces, Jasmin VanGelder, Sante Fe, NM and Pheobe VanGelder, St Paul, MN.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barbara’s funeral service at High Point Community Church,18 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata, on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the church on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Hammer Creek Mennonite Cemetery, Lititz. Memorial gifts may be sent to Blessings of Hope 500 Becker Rd Leola, PA 17540.