Barbara Mary Shortley

Barbara Mary Shortley, 97, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware passed away on February 19, 2023. Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Michael J. and Margaret Parsons Shortley, she was raised in Northwest Washington, D.C. Ms. Shortley attended Georgetown Visitation High School followed by Trinity College and the Catholic University of America earning a B.A. in Economics and Political Science.

Ms. Shortley had a trailblazing career with the Central Intelligence Agency serving as an operations officer conducting clandestine operations across the globe including wartime service in Vietnam and a multi-year assignment to Paris, France. After her retirement from the CIA, she followed her love of foreign travel by opening a travel agency in Washington, D.C., leading tours to a variety of international destinations.

Ms. Shortley retired to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware where she enjoyed an active social life, golfing as a member of the Rehoboth Country Club, soaking up the sun at the Henlopen Beach Club, staying active in local and community civic issues, serving as an active member of the St. Edmund’s Catholic Church community.

Ms. Shortley was a member of numerous organizations including the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of Colonial Wars.

Ms. Shortley is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Michael, Robert, Thomas, James and her sister Marjorie Keller.

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00pm. Interment will follow at the Epworth Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach, DE.

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton, DE where online condolences and memories can be shared to the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com