Shirley H. Barol, 94; managed her husband's medical practice
Shirley H. Barol, 94, of Philadelphia, a mother who managed her husband's medical practice, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, at home of complications from cancer.
Shirley H. Barol, 94, of Philadelphia, a mother who managed her husband's medical practice, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, at home of complications from cancer.
Mrs. Barol was married for 57 years to Daniel H. Barol, a pediatrician affiliated with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Hospital.
He maintained a private practice for 35 years in Center City. Mrs. Barol became the office and business manager of the practice after raising her children.
"She devoted significant energy to overseeing both the medical and family business affairs," her family said.
Dr. Barol retired in 1986 and donated his practice to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He died that year at age 80.
Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. Barol was the daughter of Maurice and Esther Maen Halbmillion.
She graduated from Olney High School and was a lifelong learner, auditing classes at the University of Pennsylvania into her late 80s.
At the end of World War II, she and her husband spent two years in Germany and France, where he was assigned to military hospitals in Paris.
"She always remembered this as a turning point in opening her life to the world," her family said. As a result, she was well-versed on national and world events and looked for opportunities to travel.
As a mother, she valued education and provided chances for her children and grandchildren to flourish.
In 1965, the Barols built a summer home in Loveladies Harbor, N.J. Mrs. Barol spent as much time as possible there in the following years until health and safety concerns intervened in 2013.
Mrs. Barol was an avid tennis player, both at the Shore and in Philadelphia.
She enjoyed attending theatrical performances and classical music concerts in Center City.
In person, Mrs. Barol was "charming and engaging," said her son-in-law, Peter Clark.
She is survived by a daughter, Ellen L. Barol; a son, Bill; and two grandchildren.
Services and burial were private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Falmouth Education Foundation, Box 1061, Falmouth, Mass. 02541.
610-313-8102