Barbara A. Hornung
May 5, 1930 – Feb. 2, 2026
Hornung
Barbara A. Hornung, of Altoona, passed away peacefully after a long illness at the age of 95 at the Winds of Mattern Orchard, where she had been a resident for nine years. She was born May 15, 1930, to Rita C. (Smithe) and Charles William Sengstaken and grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y.
She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and then attended Harvard University, where she earned a master’s degree in education.
Barbara married Helmut Hornung in 1956, and in 1966, they and their two children moved to Altoona.
Barbara devoted herself to her family and especially enjoyed attending as many of her grandchildren’s shows, activities and graduations as she possibly could. She loved animals, nature and tending her beautiful rock garden.
Barbara greatly enjoyed traveling the world and also loved going out to lunch with dear friends.
Over the years, she gave of herself to many causes and charities, including the Hollidaysburg YMCA Auxiliary, Central PA Humane Society, Center Wildlife Care, Easter Seals and Contact Altoona, among others. She sang for many years with the Hollidaysburg Alumni Chorus. After her husband, Helmut, died in 1988, Barbara helped found a support group to help widowed persons deal with grief.
Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy, in 1987.
She is survived by her children, Bill Hornung (Rebecca) and Cathy Lambert (Mike); five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two dear nieces; and various cousins.
Barbara was a modest, gentle, polite and kind person and friend who touched many lives; her corner of the world was made better because she lived.
Her family would like to express their deepest thanks to the entire staff of the Winds, who took such wonderful and loving care of her for so many years, and also to Pinnacle Hospice, who watched over her and provided comfort to her for several years.
Family and friends will be received from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at The Good Funeral Home Inc., 108 Alto-Reste Park, Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. by Pastor James Neatrour. Private interment at Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating in Barbara’s name to any of the causes she contributed to; or another of your choice.
thegoodfuneralhomeinc.com