Barbara Moss Obituary: Science Teacher at Abington Heights High School Died From Lung Cancer Battle

Beloved Abington Heights Science Teacher Barbara Moss Dies After Brave Battle With Lung Cancer

Clarks Summit, PA — April 11, 2025 — The Abington Heights School District is mourning the loss of longtime educator Barbara Moss, who passed away peacefully following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Moss, a beloved science teacher at Abington Heights High School for over two decades, was 55 years old.

Barbara dedicated 23 years of her life to the Abington Heights community, shaping generations of students with her passion for science, her nurturing presence, and her unwavering commitment to education. Her passing has left a profound impact on students, faculty, and families throughout the district.

In a letter to the community, school administrators expressed their sorrow:

“Barbara was more than an educator — she was a mentor, a colleague, and a caring presence in the lives of countless students. Her passion for teaching, her warmth, and her unwavering dedication to our school community will be deeply missed.”

A Sudden Turn: Diagnosis and Courage

The first signs of illness came nearly a year ago on April 15, 2024 — a day that began like any other in Barbara Moss’s microbiology class. While retrieving a box of books, she noticed her leg trembling. Upon returning to her classroom, the tremors escalated into full-body shaking.

Recognizing something was seriously wrong, Barbara calmly instructed her students to get help. Senior Colin Price quickly called 911, while juniors LeAnna Waters and Skylar Mercado helped guide her safely to the floor. Other students alerted school staff, including the nurse and nearby teachers.

Despite the frightening moment, students recalled Barbara’s calm and steady demeanor throughout the episode. “She was incredibly composed,” said LeAnna, an EMT with the Chinchilla Hose Company. “Even during a seizure, she kept her voice calm and gave clear instructions.”

Barbara was transported by EMTs to the Regional Hospital of Scranton. Just one week later, she received the devastating diagnosis: non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the brain — a serious form of lung cancer that had already spread. Barbara, who never smoked, was stunned.

“I thought it might have been a stroke or seizure — cancer wasn’t even on my radar,” she had shared in earlier interviews.

A Teacher, A Lifelong Learner, A Friend

Barbara Moss was more than a fixture in the science department — she was a beloved friend and mentor to many. She earned her degree from the University of Scranton and brought not only scientific knowledge but also warmth, compassion, and humility into every classroom interaction. She also worked as a Learning Facilitator for the Reading Apprenticeship at WestEd, helping fellow educators nationwide strengthen literacy in the sciences.

She was known for empowering students to ask questions, think critically, and believe in themselves. Her classroom was a safe space where every student felt seen, supported, and challenged.

Community in Mourning, Support in Place

Abington Heights High School has opened its doors to grief counselors and support services for students and staff. Counselors from the district, the NEIU Flight Team, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart are on-site to help the school community process this heartbreaking loss.

Principal Lee Ann Theony reflected on Barbara’s impact: “She had a rare ability to teach with both intellect and heart. Her legacy will live on through the students she inspired and the educators she mentored.”

Plans to honor Barbara Moss’s life and contributions are underway. The school will release more information about memorial services and opportunities for students and community members to pay tribute in the days ahead.

A Lasting Legacy

Barbara Moss is survived by her husband, Ken Moss, a fellow educator in the Hazleton Area School District. The Moss family has asked for privacy during this time but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the school and wider community.

As Abington Heights mourns, one thing remains certain: Barbara Moss’s legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion to her students will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, the Moss family encourages donations in Barbara’s memory to local cancer research initiatives or educational scholarships supporting aspiring science teachers.