Barbara Anne Creegan

Barbara A. Creegan, 84, of Chestertown, MD, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on April 16, 1941, in White Plains, NY. She was the second child of the late Mary Agnes Prendergast Markert and Franz Joseph Markert. From her early years, she developed not only a deep devotion to her faith, but a remarkable aptitude in the field of science. She attended The Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel, in White Plains NY, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Good Counsel College in White Plains, NY in 1962, and a Master of Science Degree from Fordham University in 1967. While attending Fordham for her master’s degree, she met her future husband Frank, who later recalled to his family that when he saw her, it was love at first sight. In 1966, Frank and Barbara were married and settled in Chestertown. Not long after, they become parents as they welcomed their two sons, within two years, Frank Jr, and Tom, into the world. After Frank Jr. and Tom were born, Barbara began a career as a Chemist at LaMotte Chemical, while Frank Sr. taught Organic Chemistry, as professor at Washington College. Later, Barbara also joined the staff of the WC Department of Chemistry, as Laboratory Lecturer, and Safety Coordinator. If you asked nearly anyone in Chestertown if they knew Barbara Creegan, they would most likely smile wide and say yes. She was a kind staple of the community, who made friends wherever she ventured. She maintained deep friendships with friends whom she kept in close contact with, since both High School and College, throughout the years. In Chestertown, she was a true connector of people. One could even call her a one woman “welcome wagon”. Whenever a new professor with or without family began a career at the college, she would invite them for dinner, or of course, one of the famous Creegan Thanksgivings. That same generosity was extended to students who were not able to fly home for the holidays, or whom the Creegans hosted during their time in the United States. Barbara was a great lover of the arts, and she and Frank attended innumerable concerts and art shows, with a sincere dedication to supporting artists. Barbara remained active throughout her life with Sacred Heart Church, where over the course of over many decades she served in a host of lay ministries. In recent years, she started a phone tree through Sacred Heart, that reached out to the elderly housebound living alone. Barbara and Frank were avid travelers, and throughout retirement, they traveled extensively, first to Russia, then Egypt, then Turkey, Hungary, Austria, Ireland, France, England, Spain, and Portugal. Wherever they visited, they made fast friends, and wonderful memories. Along with her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Thomas J. Markert. She is survived by her children Frank Creegan of Easton, MD and Thomas Creegan of Baltimore , MD and his spouse Felicia Shakman; her sister-in-law Joan Markert of North Kingston, RI, nieces Laura Caswell of Holden MA, Carol Post (Joseph) of Clearwater Beach, FL, nephews Joseph Markert of Raliegh, NC, Paul Creegan (Suzanne) and Joseph Creegan of Lowell, MA, nieces Leann Weibel (David), Coleen Thurber (Craig), and Stacey Martins all of Colorado; as well as eight grandnephews, many cousins and their children. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday evening, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD 21620. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 508 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 to be followed by a Reception in Emmanuel Episcopal Church Hall, 101 North Cross Street, Chestertown, MD. In lieu of flowers The Creegan Family ask that anyone who is able to give, to please make a donation to The Compass Regional Hospice Barnett Center, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 or to the Frank and Barbara Creegan Foundation, c/o Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery following the reception on Saturday April 25, 2026.

Barbara Anne Creegan

April 16, 1941 - April 5, 2026