Nancy Christine Barakat

Nancy Christine Barakat, 65, died peacefully at her home in Chadds Ford, PA on September 10, 2022 after a long, courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy was the fourth of seven children of Joseph and Adele Barakat (both deceased) and was originally from Havertown, PA. She graduated from Haverford High School and as a Girl Scout, enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities throughout her teenage years. Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villanova University and an MBA from Widener University. Shortly after graduation, she began what became a lifetime career at DuPont, where she served as a financial analyst for 40 years. During her tenure, she met her husband of 37 years, Cary Kerrigan.

Known for her optimism, resilience, kindness and love of family, Nancy most enjoyed activities that brought people together in celebration. Family escapes with her husband and daughters, Kristi and Lauren, generated treasured memories as they explored the United States, the Caribbean and Europe. Other Nancy favorites included all things Disney-related, Fountains and Fireworks at Longwood Gardens, reading mystery and legal novels, and going to the movies.

Throughout her life, Nancy took immense pride in her daughters’ accomplishments, as both are gifted athletes. She and Cary were at every soccer, basketball and volleyball game, cheering the girls on to victory and celebrating their successes. A house full of children always made Nancy happy; and the Kerrigan household quickly became the hot spot for team pool parties and sleep overs (the kind where nobody slept) and where food was plentiful.

Nancy’s “happy place” was always at the beach, especially Captiva Island, Florida, where she and Cary were married and enjoyed annual family vacations. She also brought extended family and friends together at Seabreak in Bethany Beach, Delaware.  Later, she and Cary retired to Naples, Florida, which became her winter oasis. The joy the warm Florida sun brought her became part of her strength to fight each year.

It's hard to even imagine Christmas without thinking of Nancy, as this was one of her favorite traditions. Famous for her sweet tooth and decadent desserts, she hosted an annual Cookie Day for 33 years, bringing together her daughters, sisters and nieces for a special day of baking, laughter and love. Her holiday spirit was infectious, and the annual Kerrigan/Barakat Christmas Eve party was an event not to be missed. Family and friends gathered for an evening filled with holiday sing-alongs, ugly Christmas sweaters, great food and the spirit of Christmas love. Each year the numbers grew (to as much as 50), but all were made to feel welcome—because of Nancy’s kind and loving spirit. The expression ‘Food is Love’ embodied her household and when it came to family, nothing was too much trouble.

A dedicated and loyal friend to many, Nancy tirelessly supported people in times when they needed it most and when hearing of her cancer diagnosis in 2014, friends, neighbors and the girls’ schoolmates rallied around her. Nancy welcomed every new friendship with open arms and an open heart. Her community and many friends in the Northeast and Naples are a testament to how many people loved her. Her family will always be grateful for this support.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Cary; her daughters Kristi and Lauren, her stepsons, David and Michael (Lisa) and two grandchildren, Emily and Gillian. She was predeceased by her stepchildren John and Kerri Ann, and her brother, Fred. She is also survived by her siblings: Mary Ann, Linda (David), Joseph (Nadia), John (Tracy) and Rachel; and was a beloved aunt to 12 nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be invited to celebrate Nancy’s life at a future date in October. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s name can be made to: Breast Cancer Research Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Society, or the Hospice Foundation of America.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy Christine Barakat, please visit our floral store.