TRIBUTE: BARBARA BITTENBENDER

Barbara Bittenbender, 1943-2020 A Life Remembered

How do you describe a 4’ 10” powerhouse? of children in the local school where she and offering welcome advice on many an Barbara Bittenbender had a huge heart and became a legend not only for sharing her occasion. Her thoughtfulness extended to endless energy and spent her life thinking of numerical skills but also for spoiling the giving neighbours plants on the birth and others in a variety of ways that made a massive pupils with sweets and treats. death of their relatives all aptly named to difference and contribution to the people in her local village, Weston Turville and beyond.

She was born on 11 January 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to George & Jean Morrow. She met her husband Ed Bittenbender whilst studying maths at the University of Detroit in 1965. They married in 1966 and had two children, Monica and Ted.

As an army wife Barb and family moved frequently, living in Germany, Norway, USA and the UK. Barb taught children in both the US Government School System and the UK system specialising in teaching children with behavioural problems or learning difficulties.

Barb and Ed moved to Weston Turville in 1994 where her natural joie de vivre and sense of fun brought laughter and joy to many people in the village. She taught Maths (on a voluntary basis) to small groups of children in the local school where she became a legend not only for sharing her numerical skills but also for spoiling the pupils with sweets and treats.

Her prowess at teaching wasn’t just with children. She taught bridge from her home to many different groups including the U3A and decided to combine the enjoyment had by many by hosting an annual bridge day raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Bridge days weren’t her only charitable input. Barb volunteered at various events such as collecting for the Royal British Legion annual poppy appeal, helping at church and village fetes and making wonderful soups and delicious cakes for the monthly church lunches and afternoon teas.

Many other people benefitted from her generous spirit and baking skills as Barb would often turn up out of the blue with cakes and cookies staying for a friendly chat. Her kindness also touched many people in the village by lending a listening ear and offering welcome advice on many an occasion. Her thoughtfulness extended to giving neighbours plants on the birth and death of their relatives all aptly named to match the event or person.

Barb was renowned for always wearing hats and her collection was huge and varied. She would invariably wear a hat to match her outfit even a swimming hat to match her swimsuit in the aqua aerobics classes she attended! She was a member of the Red Hat society and enjoyed socialising within this group always donning a red hat and purple outfit. She loved dressing up for various occasions visiting neighbours bearing gifts as an Easter bunny, Christmas elf or in a witch’s hat at Halloween. Her fancy dress wardrobe, including her enormous collection of hats, was offered to many people to have a bit of fun.

The family would like to thank all those who have been in touch or contributed since the announcement of her death in September. Barb will be sorely missed.