Barbara E. Protas, age 75, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a long battle with illness.

Barbara was born in Ridley, PA; the daughter of the late Maymie (Fletcher) and Ernest Folks. Barbara married the love of her life Russell D. Protas on July 3, 1974, and were together until his passing in 2023. She graduated from Unionville High school in 1968. Shortly after, she went on to attend Nursing School of Wilmington from 1969 to 1970. Barbara had many talents and hobbies, some of her favorites were knitting, sewing, playing the piano and listening to music. The most important love in her life were her family and her Chihuahuas.

Barbara is predeceased by her husband Russell D. Protas. She will be dearly missed by her sons, Sean Protas and his partner, Jean Kearney of Morton, PA and Mark Protas and his wife, Shannon of Newark, her grandchildren, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Lacey and Tilly; brother Charles Folks, and her niece, Stacey Ritter.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808, with services beginning at 10:30AM. Family and friends are invited to the visitation from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to St. John the Beloved Church.