The Waltonwood Twelve Oaks community is thrilled to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of its residents today.

Barbara was born Feb. 5, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Penn. After graduating  from The Ellis School, an all-girl preparatory school, she headed off to Boston to attend Bradford Junior College, a college for women. From there, she went to New York City to study the Montessori Method at the Early Childhood Education College. She later taught early childhood education in New York City and Pittsburgh.

In Pittsburgh, she was selected to work with the American Red Cross during World War II. Her love of the Red Cross continued through volunteer work at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn and Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Flor., until the age of 90.

She married Frank in 1944 after his graduation from Princeton University.  They remained in Pittsburgh, where they had four children, until they moved to Dearborn, Mich., in 1952.  In Dearborn, she found herself very active volunteering for her church, the Parent-Teacher Association, Brownies, and Red Cross.  She was everyone’s favorite mom in the neighborhood!
When she wasn’t volunteering or working with the children, she could be found golfing at Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club, where she and Frank became life members.  She was also very active in several bridge clubs, stock clubs, and bowling leagues.

After Frank’s retirement, they split their time between Florida and Grosse Ile.  Seven years ago, she moved to Michigan permanently to live with her three daughters.  Being back in Michigan has also given her the opportunity to enjoy her six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren more often.

Her birthday will be celebrated during a luncheon with family and friends at the Waltonwood Twelve Oaks community. Her favorite, spaghetti and meatballs, will be served for dinner. The celebration will also include surprise musical entertainment.

Please join us in wishing Barbara a wonderful 100th birthday!