Barbara Jean Dillon of Bethel Park died Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, 2009, in St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 71.

Barbara was born Oct. 24, 1938, in Mercer, a daughter of Edward Houser Dillon and Mary Raney Dillon.

Barbara grew up in Mercer and graduated in 1956 from Mercer High School.

She graduated in 1960 from West Liberty (W.Va.) State College with a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. She later earned a master’s of health education degree from Boston University in 1962.

She then taught for several years at Palm Beach Junior College, Lake Worth, Fla., in its dental hygiene program.

Barbara earned a master’s of education degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968 and became a guidance counselor at McGuffey High School in Claysville, Washington County. She retired from that position in 2000 after many years of faithful service.

During her years at McGuffey, Barbara was instrumental in developing many of her students’ career choices. She especially enjoyed visiting colleges, universities and technical schools so that she could give better advice to her students on their career options. Her students were very important to her and their successes gave her great satisfaction.

Barbara was a very loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins and was a devoted fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions as well. She especially enjoyed tailgating with her family and friends before and after each Nittany Lion home football game.

Barbara was very involved in breast cancer support groups and believed very much in the sense that no one should go through this disease without support from others who are dealing with breast cancer in their lives. She was also a strong advocate for early detection practices.

As an active member of John McMillan Presbyterian Church in Bethel Park, she had served as a deacon. The church was a very significant part of her life.

Barbara is survived by: her loving brother, Charles “Barney” Dillon and his wife Diane, State College, Pa.; her aunt, Edna Shumate, St. Petersburg, Fla.; and many loving cousins and loving friends who were part of her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s honor to John McMillan Presbyterian Church, 875 Clifton Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

DILLON

Barbara Jean, 71, Bethel Park, Pa., formerly of Mercer.