With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Barbara Jean Rey-DeLoatch, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, who passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2024, at the age of 74. A lifelong champion of justice, a nurturer of family, and a beacon of love, Barbara leaves behind a legacy of kindness and unwavering dedication to the people and causes she cherished.
Barbara was born on March 9, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Etelka Miller and the late Elinora Gretchen Steadwell and Louis Henderson Steadwell. From her earliest days, Barbara displayed a spirit of generosity and resilience, virtues that would shape her life and inspire those fortunate enough to know her.
In 1981, Barbara married her soulmate, Calvin DeLoatch, and together they built a love story that spanned over four decades. Their partnership was rooted in mutual respect, love, and unyielding support. They raised four beloved sons: Andre J. Downey (Kasmera Downey), David Rey Jr., Davin M. DeLoatch (Teresa Deloatch), and Jamal DeLoatch, whose lives were shaped by their mother’s wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. Barbara was the heart of her family, creating a home filled with warmth, joy, and enduring memories.
Barbara’s professional life was equally impactful. Over the course of 48 years with the New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA), she served as a fierce advocate for children and their families, culminating in her role as a paralegal. With unmatched dedication, she fought for students’ rights to quality education, empowering countless families to navigate the complexities of the public-school system. Her efforts touched lives far beyond her immediate reach, planting seeds of hope and change that will flourish for generations. Her education includes a certified degree in paralegal services, and a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Human Services.
Beyond her career, Barbara was a woman of vibrant passions. She found joy in traveling, whether reconnecting with loved ones in the Maryland/DC area or exploring destinations around the world. She delighted in cruises, venturing to both popular and exotic locales, including an unforgettable journey to Cuba. Her adventurous spirit and curiosity for life were as boundless as her love for her family and community.
Barbara’s life was a symphony of love and connection. She shared a special bond with her twin sister, Anne Marie Douglas of New Haven, Conn., and her siblings: Louis R. Steadwell of Washington, D.C., Chauncey R. Steadwell of Clearmont, Fla., Sarah L. Miller-Brooks of Guilford, Conn., and Eric J. Miller of New Haven, Conn. She was a devoted grandmother to six adoring grandchildren: Quandisha Deloatch-Green, Shanequa Rey, Davin DeLoatch, Ethan Downey, Davon DeLoatch, and Julian Downey, and a loving great-grandmother to three. Her godchildren, Nikki Hamlett-Nunes, Courtney Barnes, Laura Steadwell, and Tarik Sams, along with countless nieces, nephews, and cherished friends, were all enriched by her warmth and care. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Chambers, sister, Charlotte Chambers, and nephew, Shaka Sykes.
Barbara’s life will be celebrated with a homegoing service on Friday, Jan. 3, 2024, at St. Martin de Porres Church, 136 Dixwell Ave., New Haven, Conn. The calling hour will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven, Conn., with a repass to follow at Lynon’s Restaurant in Hamden. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511.
In honor of Barbara’s unwavering commitment to justice and her heart for service, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA) at www.nhlegal.org. This tribute ensures that her passion for advocacy and care will continue to uplift others, just as she did throughout her life.
Barbara’s gentle strength, enduring kindness, and indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy will echo in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.