27th November 1946 – 22nd September 2023
Much loved and loving mother of Zoë and Naomi, mother-in-law to Jojo and dear friend to many.
Barbara was a North Londoner. She fled her elitist Grammar School at 15, working as a book keeper for Encyclopaedia Britannica and various fashion houses in the rag trade, during which time she would often prioritise clothes and shoes over rent and food (who wouldn’t).
Barbara had a strong sense of social justice, getting arrested at CND marches, campaigning and protesting against Apartheid in South Africa, The Miner’s Strikes, and The Iraq War.
Barbara deserted her Southern sensibilities, relocating to Manchester to start a family. At 40, she became the first person in her family to go to university, qualifying as a housing officer, working in strategy and policy, with a focus on equality and diversity (obviously).
In her retirement, she became an active comrade of Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, campaigned on environmental causes and volunteered with the Syrian Society – Rethink Rebuild. Barbara did not choose just one path – she was many things and will be dearly missed by all those who crossed paths with her.
Barbara’s funeral will be held at 1.15pm on Tuesday 10th October at the Northern Burial Chapel in Southern Cemetery, followed by a natural burial in The Meadow in Southern Cemetery. Please wear what you feel comfortable in and don’t feel the need to wear black unless you want to. Like Barbara we take you as you are.
Please bring an umbrella in case of rain.
Family flowers only please. If you would like to make a donation in Barbara’s memory please make it for Sheffield Palestine Women’s Scholarship Fund you can donate here.
You are welcome to join Zoë and Naomi for the wake at The Klondyke, to share more stories and memories about Barbara. There’s plenty of parking. Food will be provided too with vegetarian and gluten free options.
Directions for the North Chapel at Southern Cemetery: It is easiest to arrive from Barlow Moor Road. (Please mind that Southern Cemetery and Manchester Crematorium are next to each other but on different grounds.) Go through the main entrance of Southern Cemetery. If you are walking, keep going straight ahead over the footpath. The North Chapel is straight ahead of you. If you are driving, take a left at the T-junction and drive around the large roundabout until you arrive at the North Chapel.
Enquiries to Natural Endings. Tel: 0161 969 6690
