Barbara Ann (Pongratz) McCloskey of Sandy Hook died peacefully with her husband by her side on June 12, 2024. She was 60.

Barbara was the loving wife of Frank McCloskey for 28 years. She grew up in Good Thunder, Minn., graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing, relocated several times with her husband, and ended up in Sandy Hook for 26 years where she enjoyed working at Yale New Haven Health System for 19 years.

Barbara’s smile & wit always made people feel comfortable and laugh. She was eager to learn, adventurous, and got the most out of life. She loved to travel, ski, and cruise to new places around the world. She received her Masters and Doctorate from Yale University School of Nursing by age 40, ran many 5Ks and the NYC marathon at 44, and even learned and became an avid skier at 46. We can only wonder what she would have done in retirement.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Frank; her father Steven Pongratz; three siblings: Liz Pongratz, Bill (Darcy) Pongratz, Rick Pongratz and life-long friend Shaun (Stoltzman) Weide.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Cleopha Pongratz.

She also left behind many friends and family members, including her beloved standard poodle Sadie, who will sorely miss her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4-7 pm Friday, June 21, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Closer to Free Fund for Yale’s Smilow Cancer Hospital (https://givetoynhh.org/areas-to-support/closer-to-free-fund/). Tributes can be made at honanfh.com.