The Alstede Family regrets to announce the passing of Barbara Anne (Cirelli) Alstede of Chester, NJ on Thursday February 11, 2021 at the age of 55.  She passed peacefully at her farmhouse surrounded by her family and close friends following a very short, but extraordinarily courageous and strong, faith filled fight against pancreatic cancer.

Barbara and Kurt together successfully grew the first generation family farm business into a substantial 800 acre fruit and vegetable growing operation that retails all of its production and is nationally recognized for its sustainable stewardship of natural resources.  More notable is the fact that together, they successfully permanently preserved over 560 acres of beautiful and productive farmland, forever cementing the rural atmosphere of Chester and western Morris County; while also providing fresh local nourishment to millions of regional residents each year through the produce that they raised.  Further, millions of New Jersey school children have learned about agriculture in New Jersey from Barbara as she actively provided educational school tours to children at the farm throughout her lifetime.  The positive influence of Barbara and her farm on the quality of life for New Jersey residents cannot be overstated.

Barbara’s faith and heart for God and her Savior were paramount in her life.  She was very active in the church in which she was baptized, where she was married, and where her children were dedicated as Christians, the First Congregational Church of Chester.  Her zeal for education led her to serve on the Christian Education Committee through the time of her passing where she oversaw youth Sunday school, activities, clubs, Bible studies, and child care.  She also served previously as a church Deacon.

Perhaps most notable of Barbara’s many accomplishments was the stability of the home that she created and maintained for her husband and her children in their old farmhouse.  Never one to seek the lime-light, her steadfast and fierce dedication to her family behind the scenes allowed Kurt to serve actively in many different community and regional leadership capacities and for each of her children to actively pursue their dreams.  Barbara’s husband and children were the love of her life and they embody her legacy.

The Alstede Family graciously acknowledges the overwhelming love, support, and prayers that have been abundantly offered during both Barbara’s short time of illness and, most especially, during this time of remembrance.