Marjorie Barr Lerner

Marjorie (Maggie) Barr Lerner, a devoted mother, grandmother, and tireless advocate for the vulnerable, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. She was 74.

Born on May 10, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maggie was the youngest child of Jean and John Barr and grew up with four older brothers. She earned her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Medical College of Virginia.

A dedicated medical social worker, Maggie began her career running a hospital-based program for young people with disabilities. She concluded her professional life holding leadership positions at adult daycare facilities for the elderly. In every role, her mission remained constant: helping the vulnerable, lifting spirits, and making life a little more sunny for all she encountered.

Maggie was an active community volunteer throughout her life. For close to 30 years, she was a dedicated leader for the Empty Bowls Banquet benefiting food-insecure people in Frederick County.

Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Maggie was a woman of fierce independence and deep creativity. She was an avid and gifted gardener whose beautiful, year-round flowers brought joy to many. She lovingly renovated and maintained two different historic homes in her lifetime.

Maggie is survived by her daughter Hillary (Prasad) Komma; her son Matt Lerner and his partner Samantha Guy; and her stepson Rob Lerner. She was a cherished grandmother to her two granddaughters, Brie and Quinn Komma. She also leaves behind her brother Dennis Barr.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William Lerner; her stepdaughter, Dr. E. Brooke Lerner; three brothers; and her parents.

A celebration of Maggie’s life will be held in the new year. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages those who loved her to honor her memory by performing a small act of kindness for someone in their community.