On behalf of the Messiah Chorus Family at WUMC, in Williamsburg, VA, our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with her family and many friends during this very sad time. She was a lovely lady, so very devoted to faithfully singing Messiah for many years. Always on time, well prepared, willing to sit wherever assigned, Barbara mentored several young altos, making them feel very welcomed. She was really missed after her move to NC but we were all delighted that she had found new opportunities to continue sharing her musical talents and gentle gifts with others, and spend more time with her family. Barbara loved Messiah and I recall many times when she would walk into the Music office, to offer compliments and kind words of support during our preparations for the concerts. I also remember her compassion for the many Respite Care guests through the years, a joy to observe while working at the church. Her warm smile touched many hearts!
May we all who had the privilege to know Barbara, a sweet, kind and gentle soul who entered into eternal glory and joined the heavenly Messiah Chorus, be comforted by many wonderful memories!
Donna Herman
Messiah Manager
WUMC
Williamsburg, VA
2
In my twenty-eight years of musical leadership in the church, I have to say Barbara is one of the kindest, hardest working, always prepared, very faithful, and most mellow choir members I have known! Barbara sang in our church choir and Messiah concerts all of the years I have been at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, and we even talked about her coming back after she moved to North Carolina for Messiah. However, she was quite loved and welcomed in her new church and community choirs, so she, as was typical of Barbara, remained faithful to her commitment to those groups and chose to sing there while we were singing here in Williamsburg. Barbara has been missed since the move, but I never dreamed my opportunities to talk with her and share with her were over. We are so sad for the loss of this wonderful, dear woman. We pray for the family who are grieving an unbelievable loss. Our hearts are with you today and in your time of grief!
2
Sweet Barb, you touched my heart and my life with your kind and gentle spirit. Your smile always genuine and a delight. I can hear you saying “Oh this is such fun!” I heard you say that a lot while scrapbooking :-). I don’t remember exactly when we met but probably 15+ years... Scrapbooking and the fact our families have been friends for over twenty years is what brought us together. Retreats are where I had the pleasure of getting to know you. I can hear you singing and humming to yourself as you worked usually sitting close to me. You were almost always the first one there and always ready to lend a helping hand especially with your amazing fruit bowls you so lovingly prepared for our large group on Saturday mornings at camp. I could always count on you to make a great pot of coffee in the morning and a relaxing pot of tea at night. You helped me clean more times than I can count and we always joked about the men who “cleaned” camp being the reason we had to clean again! Since you were usually there early I always looked forward to that time to go to dinner with you at the soda shop. And let’s be honest, we only ate dinner to get to the amazing ice cream sundaes which is why we really went :-)! I always loved that time of conversation and relaxing before the retreat started. Sometimes it was just us, sometimes others joined us and it was always a fun time. I mostly only saw you at retreats which is why I usually (in case you ever wondered) sat you next to me. I enjoyed your company so much and looked forward to each retreat to sit with you, see what you were working on and catch up. I loved hearing about your family history, travels, adventures and your respite work. I could go on and on but it all can be summed up by saying this: I adored you and loved you and you made a lasting impression on me even though I only saw you a few times a year. Your sweet smile and fun personality will be deeply missed. Your beautiful reflection lives on through your family and friends and they will carry out your legacy.
4
Sending deepest sympathy. Although we have been out of touch, Barbara's warm welcome & support when my family arrived in Portsmouth and throughout the time we shared are indelibly printed in my heart.
2
Barb is one of the reasons I loved coming to rehearsal of the Fuquay-Varina Chorale. She gave me such a lift, always smiling and loving whatever we sang. Personally, she wrote me notes during the pandemic, always lifting me up. There is an enormous void in the chorale that can’t be filled. She will be our chorale angel from here on!
2
So very sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
2
What a joyful singer our Barb!🎶 Her presence in spirit and song will be missed It was a privilege to have her in Choral. I am so sorry she was taken from you. She loved her family so much.
In His Love,
Susan Ortiz
2
2021, Fuquay-Varina, NC, USA
2
Lynanne, I only met your mom once, but she made an impression on me with her warm and friendly way. I’m so sorry for your loss; she will be remembered fondly.
2
Your mom was a true joy and inspiration. I'm so thankful for God allowing us to cross paths. Blessing and my condolences to you and your family.
2
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