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In Memory

Barbara Jean Kirkwood (Robbins) - Class Of 1946 VIEW PROFILE

Barbara Jean Kirkwood (Robbins)

 

 

 

Barbara Jean Robbins

Dec. 8, 1928 - May 28, 2006

Barbara Jean "Barb" Robbins, 77, passed away during the evening of Monday, March 27, in her home in South Bend, IN.

Barb was born December 8, 1928, in Mishawaka, IN, to the late Jennie Katherine (Tucker) and William Henry Kirkwood Sr. Her marriage of over 53 years to Jarvis "Jerry" A. Robbins began on October 6, 1950, in Community Congregational Church, South Bend.

After Jerry passed away on December 13, 2003, Barb continued to be a loving and supportive mother to her son, Kirk Robbins of Osceola, Indiana; daughter, Kathy (Tom) Miller of Lafayette, Indiana, daughter, Kristy Jean (Mark) Sprott of Austin, Texas; and a wonderful grandmother to Alexander, Sarah and Rebecca Robins of Osceola, Jennie Peterson of Lafayette, Summer and Sawyer Sprott of Austin.

Additional surviving family members are her older brother, William Henry Kirkwood Jr. of N.Y. and his children, Craig (Evie) Kirkwood of Edwardsburg, and niece, Tracy (Steve) Bibler of Elkhart; and her younger brother, John T. Kirkwood and Norma of Claypool, IN; and their daughters, Rhonda and Jennie.

Barb lived her life in Clay Township, where she graduated "salutatorian" from Washington Clay High School in 1946. Her secretarial and bookkeeping career began at the Abstract and Title Co., shortly after graduation. For a short time she and Jerry both worked at the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company, but Barb moved on to her true calling: mother, in 1951 with the birth of their son and later, their two daughters. Barb returned to the workforce in the early 60s. She found a work schedule that allowed her to spend time with her young family while making many lifelong friends during her years with the South Bend Community School Corporation. She served as the secretary at Swanson Elementary and Clay Middle Schools. As her children grew older, she moved on to the purchasing department at the administration building and eventually retired from the recreation department at Newman Center in 1991.

After retirement, she and Jerry traveled the United States delivering motor-homes and shiny new cars. They both enjoyed traveling and meeting new people, but they always cherished time with their family.

Barb (mom) will be greatly missed by all and welcomed home by our Father.

As Barbara requested, there will be no visitation. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today in the chapel at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Barb's name, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

The Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North assisted the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave their condolences at www.welshfh@yahoo.com.

 

07/11/2022 DEC

 

South Bend Tribune



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