It is with great sadness that we announce that Barbara Braun Ix, a long-time resident of Spring Lake and Englewood, New Jersey passed away on December 12, 2015 after a brief battle with cancer. She was 76.

Known for her warmth and kindness, Barbara was the beloved wife of Douglas, her husband of more than 48 years; mother of Mary Ix, Christine Ix (Christopher Grimm) and Douglas Ix Jr. (Kristin Hordyke); and Nana to her grandchildren Tripp and Sara. Along with her immediate family, Barbara is survived by her siblings Marilyn Harrison, Kathleen Kavanaugh, Robert Braun and John Braun, their families and many dear friends. She is predeceased by her brother Joseph Braun.

The oldest of six children raised by her mother Mildred Braun in Palisades Park and Avon, Barbara was a graduate of Academy of the Holy Angels and Gwynedd Mercy College. Known for her beauty, elegance and style, she modeled in high school, winning Miss Avon by the Sea for “Best Legs.” Prior to becoming a full time mother, in which she delighted, she was a medical secretary.

Barbara loved her life in Spring Lake, spending countless hours on the front porch of her family home greeting anyone and everyone who passed by. She also enjoyed getting together with family and friends at the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club and the Spring Lake Golf Club.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 17 from 4-8 P.M. at O’Brien Funeral Home at 2028 Route 35 in Wall. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 18 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Catharine’s Church at 215 Essex Avenue in Spring Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hope Tower Cancer Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation, 1345 Campus Parkway, Neptune, N.J. 07753.