Barbara Lautman, 64, whose innate selflessness led to a celebrated and effective career in public service, died on October 8, 2021 from complications following a heroic, 20 year battle with cancer. 

Barb was born in Woburn, MA to Professors Joan Harris and Don Lautman, graduated from Medford High School and attended American University in Washington, DC, where she earned a B.A. in History cum laude. She was the Executive Director of multiple DC-based non-profit organizations, most notably, The Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, now known as Brady: United Against Gun Violence. During this time she testified in front of congressional committees and traveled across the country arguing common sense gun control regulations, often appearing on news and television and speaking to the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Phil Donahue, Geraldo Rivera, and Larry King. Her efforts helped culminate in the passing of the Brady Bill in 1993.

After nearly two decades in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, Barb shifted focus to spend more time with her children. She was a driving force in the neighborhood who volunteered to coach soccer teams, led successful fundraisers for the schools her children attended, and served on the boards of several local community organizations. Her boundless energy, drive, humor, and enthusiasm for community service will be missed. 

In addition to her lengthy career in the non-profit sector, Barb had a passion for collecting, restoring, and lovingly rehoming antique furniture and collectibles, which motivated her to open Finials Antiques for Home & Garden in Chevy Chase, DC in 1999, which she ran for 13 years. Customers delighted in her sense of style and her Annual Spring Garden Sale was a must attend event that was chronicled in The Washington Post. 

Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, but her eternal optimism and fighting spirit fueled her internal fire to keep living life to the fullest despite the difficult circumstances. Later decline brought on by the side effects of treatment forced her to close her store, and in 2018 she moved to Richmond, Virginia to be closer to her daughter.

She is survived by her three children, Jessica Walton of Richmond, Virginia, Eli Walton of New York, New York, and Samuel Walton in South Korea. She is also survived by her brother, David Lautman of Reading, Massachusetts, her sisters Rebekah Lautman of Melbourne, Australia, and Samantha Lautman of Portland, Oregon and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and numerous lifelong friends.   

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