1925
Barbara
2018
Barbara E. Van Schermbeek
August 19, 1925 — December 22, 2018
HOLDEN-Barbara Elizabeth (Holmstrom) van Schermbeek passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 22 at the Knollwood Nursing Center.
She was born on August 19, 1925 in Worcester. Although she spent some of her childhood years in England, she lived in the Worcester vicinity for most of her life going to Bancroft School, later enrolling at Bradford College and Yale School of Drama. She continued her studies at Clark University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
Barbara worked at her Alma Mater Bradford College as Alumni Director for several years as well as WPI and Clark University in the Library Departments. She had a lifelong interest in Art and self expression and enjoyed doing volunteer work as a Docent at the Worcester Art Museum. She and her husband John were devoted members of the First Baptist Church choir and participated in numerous plays through the churches theater program. Barbara will be remembered as always being gracious, patient and kind, her passion for writing, reading, acting, and fine art, her sense of humor and beautiful smile. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She will be dearly missed and will remain in the hearts of her family forever.
She was predeceased by her parents Andrew B. and Jennie E. (Lofgren) Holmstrom, a sister Joan Spence, her first husband David Adams and her second husband John Van Schermbeek.
Barbara is survived by her three children Elizabeth Adams of Holden, Amy Holley and her husband George of Henderson, NV, Andrew Adams and his wife Suzy of Olympia, WA and a step-daughter, Christine Ross of Pittsburgh, PA. She also leaves two sisters Nancy Oakes and Carol Narbeshuber and her husband Herbert, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara's family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Knollwood Nursing Center for the care in which they gave to their mother during her stay there.
A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate Barbara's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 22 at the First Baptist Church, 111 Park Avenue, Worcester, immediately followed by a reception in the Whitney Room at church. Burial in Hope Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 or a charity of the donor's choice.
She was born on August 19, 1925 in Worcester. Although she spent some of her childhood years in England, she lived in the Worcester vicinity for most of her life going to Bancroft School, later enrolling at Bradford College and Yale School of Drama. She continued her studies at Clark University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
Barbara worked at her Alma Mater Bradford College as Alumni Director for several years as well as WPI and Clark University in the Library Departments. She had a lifelong interest in Art and self expression and enjoyed doing volunteer work as a Docent at the Worcester Art Museum. She and her husband John were devoted members of the First Baptist Church choir and participated in numerous plays through the churches theater program. Barbara will be remembered as always being gracious, patient and kind, her passion for writing, reading, acting, and fine art, her sense of humor and beautiful smile. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She will be dearly missed and will remain in the hearts of her family forever.
She was predeceased by her parents Andrew B. and Jennie E. (Lofgren) Holmstrom, a sister Joan Spence, her first husband David Adams and her second husband John Van Schermbeek.
Barbara is survived by her three children Elizabeth Adams of Holden, Amy Holley and her husband George of Henderson, NV, Andrew Adams and his wife Suzy of Olympia, WA and a step-daughter, Christine Ross of Pittsburgh, PA. She also leaves two sisters Nancy Oakes and Carol Narbeshuber and her husband Herbert, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara's family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Knollwood Nursing Center for the care in which they gave to their mother during her stay there.
A Memorial Service to honor and celebrate Barbara's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 22 at the First Baptist Church, 111 Park Avenue, Worcester, immediately followed by a reception in the Whitney Room at church. Burial in Hope Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester Art Museum, 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 or a charity of the donor's choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara E. Van Schermbeek, please visit our flower store.
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