Barbara Barkony
Obituary
Barbara M. Barkony passed away at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Se was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the daughter to Dr. William G. and Eunice (Selmer) Meier. She married Donald W. Barkony March 21, 1959. Barbara earned her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Michigan and her Master of Education degree at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.
Barbara taught as a teacher in Shaker Heights, Ohio and Sacramento, California. She worked with Global Educaiton. In Chicago, Illinois she worked with the Ecumenical Institute/Institute of Cultural Affairs for 26 years. She taught courses in Brussels, Belgium, Stockholm, Sweden and countless communities in the United States. In New Delhi, India she was on the Steering Committee of the International Exposition of Rural Development.
Her memberships included Gamma Phi Beta, Lawrence County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Reading and Drama Club, and AAUW. She also served on the Lawrence Township Library Board.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William G Meier, III. Survivors include her husband Donald W. Barkony, two daughters Elizabeth Barkony-Skomski of San Diego, CA and Susan Lathrop of Minneapolis, MN and grandchildren Tatiana Skomski and Samantha Lynn Lathrop.
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Dear Don & Family, It was with a great sense of loss when we heard of Barbara’s death. We wanted to let you know that you have our greatest sympathy, and our hearts are truly saddened. Barbara was more than just a wonderful person; she was always so kind and considerate to us that we always welcomed seeing her at every opportunity. And, we know that her passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew her. Barbara will always remain within our hearts, and we have included Barbara and you in our daily prayers. May God give you strength. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. With our deepest sympathy,
~~ Your First United Methodist Church Family
Dear Don, O,how the wonderful memories of the good times, the sunny happy days we shared with you and Barb come flooding back. We treasure them. We celebrate her life, even as the tears of saddness flow in our loss of the great person that was Barbara. Our prayers, love, and wishes for strength go out to you, Elizabeth and Susan, Tatiana and Samantha.
~~ Marian and Art Lies
Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are with you.
~~ Peter Whitney
Much love to your family at this time. I’m sad to hear of Barbara’s passing, and hope it’s comforting to you that she had such a full, rich life and touched so many people.
~~ Carol Poole
Dear Barkony Family, So sorry for your loss. This photo of Barb is so perfect in that it reflects her delightful personality, and joyful spirit. I have so many fond memories of your family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Love,
~~ Pat and Tom Price
Don, Elizabeth and Susan and families, I send my sincere codolances. I enjoyed being your neighbor in Kemper and later, we were California colleagues. Barbara was of great service to our mother, the Earth.
~~ Jann McGuire
Dearest Don, We send our thoughts to you and to the rest of your family, remembering our times together in work and play. Barbara and I shared some good moments in those years in the ICA. She and I were born just a few days apart. The two of you were together a long time. Take care of yourself as you move into a new phase of life; and don’t hesitate to call on your friends when you need a bit of support and encouragement.
~~ Del and Justin Morrill
Barbara was kind to me when I came to Chicago in 1982. Having come from Korea, I was not familiar with cultures and customs of the United States. She shared with me some of her life stories and
~~ Sue Kim
To all of my friends and family, I lost my wife (Barbara) of 53 years on March 29, 2012. She went peacefully with her family by her side. We were able to celebrate our 53rd wedding anniversary on the 21st of March with our favorite ice cream cake, and Dogwood Barbecue brisquet! She was all smiles and so was I!
~~ Donald Barkony
Judith and I have known Barb and Don literally since the beginning of our experience with the Order. We took RSI in January, 1968 in Cleveland, Ohio. Don was in our course, and Barbara had already taken the course, and was a “Participant Observer.” Throughout the 70s we shared Movement activities in the Cleveland Region, and then reconnected at the Chicago ICA in the 80s. Barbara was an excellent teacher, both in public schools and in EI courses, particularly in the Academy. They visited us here in Florida in 200l. We wish Don the best. He has been Barbara’s caregiver for the past 10 years or so, after they retired to Lawrenceville. No more devoted husband has ever been created! Grace, Peace, and Love,
~~ Mike and Judy Tippett
Like the Tippetts, Barbara and Don were part of my beginning experience with the Order in the Cleveland Region. Before we joined the Order, we went to a regional meeting in Columbus. I still remember Barbara up in front of the group doing a bang-up job and I was so impressed that here was this large woman (obviously my issue too) having the poise, passion and intellect to address the crowd. She gave me courage to believe I too could do this because before this I was sitting on the sidelines on teaching. I am grateful for her life and the symbol of what we could be.
~~ Joan Knutson
I remember the wisdom of Barbara as we worked on preparation for one of the Phase I camps in the mid 70’s. She had done a lot of work with YMCA camps and had much to offer to those of us who had only attended camps. We send our care to Don and Elizabeth and Susan and their families. Theirs has been a long journey of care. Grace and peace,
~~ Lynda Cock
