Agnes Ellsworth

Agnes (Barbera) Ellsworth, 93, passed away December 31, 2025 at Sinking Spring Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Reading, PA at the Community General Hospital, Agnes was the daughter of Anthony M. and Anna Maria (Guidara) Barbera. A 1949 graduate of Reading High School, she then completed three years of nurses’ training at the historic Gallinger Municipal Hospital in Washington, DC and earned her RN. She returned to the former Community General Hospital on N. Sixth St. to practice her nursing skills. Agnes also worked for a few private medical practices located in Reading.

Agnes left her hometown to travel extensively across the country, mainly in the Midwest and western states. In the early 1970’s, she returned to Reading to live with and care for her elderly mother in the Albright College neighborhood. Daily walks through the campus and surrounding areas were most enjoyable. One other activity she especially enjoyed on these walks was to visit her younger sister who lived nearby, to play the piano in her home. Agnes was blessed with a special musical talent which enabled her to play the piano without formal instruction. Nor did she learn to read music. Her favorite selections were the popular songs of the 1940’s.

Agnes is survived by her son Dane Winslow Ellsworth, an artist who lives in Fredericksburg, TX. He and his wife, Susan, have gifted Agnes with two grandsons and a great-granddaughter. Other survivors are a younger sister, Mary Jo Weishampel, Wernersville, her only living sibling, and many nieces and nephews. Agnes was predeceased by her parents and three older brothers and two older sisters.

Bean Funeral Homes and Crematory Services is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.