Barbara Mary Shortley, CIA retiree

Barbara Mary Shortley, 97, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Michael J. and Margaret Parsons Shortley, and raised in Northwest Washington, D.C. Barbara attended Georgetown Visitation High School followed by Trinity College and the Catholic University of America, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science.

Barbara 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.

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

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

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

A time of visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Epworth Cemetery in Rehoboth Beach.  

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.

Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.