Barbara Blades Dryden passed away peacefully September 14 at Lakeside at Mallard Landing. Born on November 15, 1935, she was the daughter of Everett Sheldon Blades, Sr. and Ida Harrison Blades. She was the last surviving ninth generation of Levi and Mary Elizabeth Harrison. Barbara earned her bachelor's and master's equivalency degrees at Salisbury State College (University). Specializing in elementary reading, she taught at various schools in Wicomico County from 1965 until she retired in 1995.
Barbara's greatest devotion was to her family. She and her husband of 71 years, Con Dryden, enjoyed the seashore, boating and crabbing, as well as traveling to National Parks, cruising to ports in the Caribbean and Alaska, and exploring England, Scotland, and France. For many years, St. John in the Virgin Islands, with its Salt Pond Bay and Honeymoon Beach, was one of their favorite destinations. Barbara cherished her many friends, at the bridge table or enjoying a home cooked meal. And they cherished her, especially for her cooking...homemade crab cakes, Maryland beaten biscuits, apple pies, and the dozens of assorted cookies at Christmas and throughout the year.
In addition to her husband, Barbara is survived by two daughters, Chris (Jamie) Mosberg and Ann (Jerry) Rubino, grandsons, Jake (Alice Scott) Mosberg, Jason (Rika Drea) Mosberg, and Josh (Meghan) Mosberg, great grandchildren, Tess, Ruth, Avery, Edie, and Jet Mosberg, and several nieces and a nephew. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings Sheldon, Harrison, Bob Blades, and Florence Blades Layton.
Family and friends are invited to a drop-in Celebration of Life from Noon until 2pm at the Mallard Landing Gathering Room (Pub), 1107 S. Schumaker Drive on Saturday, September 26. A private family service will be held at Parsons Cemetery at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory may be made to Wicomico County Library Children's Book Section or to Salisbury University Alumni Association.
Wicomico Public Library
Children's Book Section
112 S. Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21804
Salisbury University
Alumni House
1120 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21804
