Barbara Swan Waldum (nee Jupp), of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, after a long and full life. Barbara was a beloved mother of two, Margaret (Cyril, deceased 2008) Woolford and David (Sandra) Waldum, grandmother of six, James Woolford, Elizabeth (Andrew) Peterson, David Woolford, Ann (Thomas) Venne, Emily (Brian) Rappold, and Peter (Hillary) Waldum, and great-grandmother of eleven.

She was born on August 1, 1926, in Milwaukee, daughter of the late David and Margaret Jupp. Barbara grew up on Holton and Marshall Streets and attended Lincoln High School. She went on to attend college at Milwaukee State Teachers College, where she focused her studies on education, geography, and her passion – art. She married the late Orville Waldum in June of 1950, and together they raised their children, Margaret and David. Barbara became a kindergarten teacher, teaching in many schools. She spent 27 years in one classroom at Trowbridge Street School. Barbara retired from her teaching career at the age of 60.

Barbara spent a lot of her time traveling around the world before and after her early retirement. She had an independent spirit, leading her across the country and many countries in Europe and beyond. Barbara enjoyed traveling with her sister, Margaret Dudek, and close friend, Ed Reimer. She cherished visits with her son and family in northern Wisconsin. Barbara explored Scotland, the country of her father’s origin, with her sister and met their extended family. She travelled in England, Spain, France, Italy, and even Germany when checkpoints were heavily guarded. Barbara also traveled to many countries in South America, including Peru and experienced the hilltop city of Machu Picchu. She spent time in Georgetown, Guyana, where her daughter married and lived for several years, as well as Barbados and Jamaica. Throughout her travels, Barbara collected memories and stories she often shared and artwork she proudly displayed in her home.

In addition to collecting art, Barbara was an accomplished artist herself, working primarily with pastel chalk. She later turned to stained glass and created beautiful pieces of art. Many pieces of Barbara’s art not only filled her home, but the homes of her loved ones.

Though Barbara’s eyesight failed in her later years of life, her interest and curiosity about the world did not diminish. She was an avid reader and enjoyed audio books, mostly historical fiction, rented from the Library of Congress. She spent hours listening to her books, sometimes staying up until midnight sitting in her chair enjoying a story.

Barbara was a constant presence in the lives around her, sharing in birthdays, holidays, weddings, graduations, and sporting events either in person or watching from a distance. Barbara was a strong, independent, witty, curious, and creative woman. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, sister, and son-in-law.

Barbara lived independently until her final days. Her family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ruth Hospice House, West Allis, Wisconsin, for the loving and compassionate care she received in her final days. In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Barbara dedicated her body to medical research and education. A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Please visit the memorial website for Barbara here: https://everloved.com/life-of…

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