Barbara Jane Fischer

Barbara Jane Fischer (nee Heaps), age 63, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Born in El Paso, Texas, Barb was the beloved daughter of the late Marilyn Mae (Whiteford) Yeager and her late husband Albert Yeager, and of the late John Bennett Heaps Jr.

Barb was a devoted mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her loving daughter, Cristina Hardy and her husband Jeffrey; her cherished son, Nathan Fischer and his fiancé Megan; and her dear sister, Deborah Wisniewski and her husband Dave. Barb was a proud and adoring Nana to Jude and Wyatt Hardy, and Viktor and Abigail Maloyed. She was also treasured by all of her many aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graduate of Edgewood High School, Barb had many talents, working at Montgomery Wards, L.A. Benson, and First National Bank. She then followed her passion for childcare by opening a home daycare, allowing her to raise her own children while caring for little ones including many of her own precious nieces and nephews. A woman of strong faith and devotion to the Lord, Barb was a member of Bel Air Church of the Nazarene and finished her working years assisting in the church office.

Saying that Barb was devoted to her family is an understatement. She was a cherished daughter, sister, and aunt. Barb raised Cristina and Nathan in a home full of unconditional love and understanding and was the epitome of what a parent should be, molding them into the parents they are today. She was such a proud grandmother; nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren and sharing their photos. Barb also loved spending time visiting, laughing, and praying with the many friends who she considered family.

Barb fought a long 40-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis with unmatched grace and determination. She threw herself into raising awareness and funds to help find a cure, which her family still hopes for. She volunteered and collected donations for many walk-a-thons throughout the years. The disease challenged Barb with many physical and emotional hardships, all of which she faced with tenacity, rarely complaining. She had faith in knowing that the Lord would help her through and trusted in Him completely.

She found joy in her family, friends, church, and community. Barb’s determination, warmth, compassion, and strength were an inspiration to everyone she met, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution made to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891, or to the Bel Air Church, 2430 Conowingo Road, Bel Air, MD 21015.