Barbara Jane Bozard

The world lost its sparkle on Monday, March 3, 2025, when Barbara Bozard, affectionately known as Nana, passed away peacefully in Charleston, South Carolina.

Barbara was born in Christiana, Tennessee, on June 1, 1939, as the only child of the late William and Mary Haynes (Hayes). Loved, adored, and spoiled by her parents, she graduated from Long Branch High School in the Class of 1957. Barbara called Monmouth Beach, NJ home for almost 50 years. As a devoted mother, she raised two children, Kim Haller (Mandaro) and Harry Haller, demonstrating the same love and dedication in her professional life as a bookkeeper at Fort Monmouth for over 33 years. After her retirement, she continued to shine brightly while working for the Mulheren Family at Rumson Wine & Spirits.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years David Bozard, who passed away on June 11, 2024, as well as her daughter, Kim Mandaro, and grandson, Steven Mandaro, whom she missed dearly.

She is survived by her son, Harry Haller; her granddaughter and best friend, Nicole “Nikki” Oakley; treasured granddaughter, Kayla Dellaterza and her husband, Jason Dellaterza; and five beautiful great-grandchildren: Gemma, Ruby, and Major Oakley, and Jaxson and Charlotte Dellaterza. Barbara also leaves behind her cherished sons-in-law, Tom Oakley and Vincent Mandaro, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family in Tennessee and countless friends in New Jersey.

Nana had a unique ability to light up every room she entered, often adorned from head to toe in sparkles, never stepping out without one of her hundreds of favorite pairs of clip-on earrings. While her jewelry was endless, the sparkle she brought into our lives will be missed forever. Heaven has never been more sparkly!

Known as the life of the party, Nana was always up for a good time and a glass of wine—let's be honest, definitely more than one! She enjoyed her Bacardi and cokes with a twist of lime as much as her husband loved playing golf. Never one to turn down a Salem 100 cigarette, she embraced life with a zest that was truly infectious. Those who knew her understood her obsession with green eye shadow, glitter, and a good mani-pedi, hair appointment, and even a spray tan!

Every visit to Nana's house was pure magic! Shopping was her Olympic sport—she walked away with the gold medal every time! Married to her best friend for over 50 years, Barbara and David's love story is a testament to the phrase, “happy wife, happy life.” Their passing within nine months of each other is a poignant reminder of how deeply they cherished one another.

In her 1957 yearbook photo, Barbara’s beauty was accompanied by a description that captured her essence: “Always kind, thoughtful & untroubled.” Her sparkle will truly be missed.

A very SPARKLY and FUN celebration of life, complete with flowing wine, will be held this spring in Charleston, South Carolina. Details will be shared with family and friends as we come together to honor the vibrant spirit of Nana.

In lieu of flowers and donations, we invite you to honor Barbara's memory by doing something that sparks joy in your own life. Whether it's enjoying a glass of wine, indulging in a little retail therapy, spending a day at the beach, cherishing time with family, having a fun happy hour with friends, or even lighting up a cigarette—celebrate the joy and sparkle she brought to our lives by embracing what brings you happiness. Thank you for keeping her spirit alive in your own special way.