Barbara Ann Williams Bracken passed from this life, March 19, 2016 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. Barbara was born January 11, 1942 in Front Royal, VA to Aylor G. and Neville Victoria North Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Gene Austin Williams and a sister Dorothy L. Williams Smith. Her son John Andrew and wife Nicole live in Winchester with their daughter Ava Joycelyn Ann, who shares Barbara's Birthday. Granddaughter October M. Bracken lives in Summerville, SC and attends Trident Technical College. Step-granddaughters, Kiani and Naomi Hodge live in Brisbane, Australia.
Barbara graduated from Mosby Academy, Class of 1960. She earned her Teaching Degrees from Shenandoah College and James Madison University. She taught elementary school over four decades, with 38 years at Sacred Heart Academy in Winchester, where her students benefited from her love of children and teaching.
She is fondly remembered for her kind generosity, love of music, hobbies and community activities, including her support of BSA Troop 52, helping her son with fundraising for the Warren County Skateboard Park, and her interest Genealogy, including the history of her family in Warren and Rappahannock Counties. Barbara loved attending plays and musicals at Wayside Theater and Shenandoah University and could regularly be seen selling antiques at the Front Royal Flea Market.
Services will be held Tuesday March 29 at 1:00 pm at Turner Robertshaw Funeral Home in Front Royal, VA. The family will receive visitors Monday night at Turner Robertshaw from 7 to 9 pm. Private burial service will be at Willis Chapel, Huntley, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in the name of Barbara to;
BSA Troop 52
C/O Pam Thompson
59 Charles St
Front Royal, VA 22630
Warren Heritage Society
101 Chester Street
Front Royal, VA 22630
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 30, 2016
Craig & Jeanette Barlow
John, October and family
We are so sad to hear of Barbara's passing! We have so many wonderful memories!! Thanks to Barbara she made Megan a huge NY Giants fan as well as plenty of other mischief they got themselves into! I will never forget when Barbara went with Craig & Megan to see Aerosmith & ZZ Top, the mischief they had. So many wonderful memories we will cherish forever of Barbara! Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers
March 30, 2016
Nicole Bracken
Dear Barbara,
I will miss our dinner dates, shopping sprees and glasses of wine, laughing and our conversations. You were always caring and helped me to adjust to being in a new country and took me out as much as possible meeting new people. You accepted my girls as your own grandchildren and cared about them also. I thank you for the love you deeply showed and expressed for October and Ava. I am honoured to have given birth to your grand daughter on your birthday, to have married your loving son, who I will always love and be a wonderful wife. I will help him through this grieving time.
We will all miss you!
John: my everlasting arms of love always will be around you during this time.. and everyday after. XXXX
March 30, 2016
Terry Raum
I remember Mrs. Bracken from Sacred Heart as a kind, calm, and caring teacher, whose patience I surely must have tested from time to time. The great education I got at Sacred Heart was due in no small part to her skills as a teacher. Sorry to hear of her departure but glad to find out that she lived a life full of friends and family.
March 29, 2016
Daniel Lenz
John -
Your mother's dedication to the fund raising efforts for the Warren County skate Park was truly inspirational. She was a great person to talk to especially about one of her favorite past- times - reading. I am sorry for your loss! May she rest in peace.
March 27, 2016
Juanita Spencer
John and family, I am so sorry to hear about Barbara. I have known her a very long time. She was a sweet lady. May she Rest in Peace. God Bless
March 27, 2016
Dianne Reif
John,
I heard of your mother's passing in church today. I am so sorry. Barbara was a lovely person. We taught together at Sacred Heart Academy, I remember talking to her many times about the Skateboard Park because you and my son, Mark Reif, were so enthusiastic about this project. Peace to you and your family. Dianne Reif
March 26, 2016
Tammy, Rick, Hailey and Ricky Goodwin
Barbara you will be missed so much but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for all the beautiful memories you have given to all of us.....see you on the other side Ma! My love and prayers to you John, Nicole, October, Ava and the rest of the family and fiends. May God Bless you all......
March 26, 2016
Condolences John, Nicole, October & Ava, thinking of you all at this sad time. Sharon, Dieter, Amy, Stephanie, Jarrad & Jasmine.
March 26, 2016
Julie Puttock
I'm sorry for your loss John, Nicole, Ava, October, Naomi and kiani. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. My prayers and thoughts to you all at this time os sadness.
March 26, 2016
Lisa Eshelman
Barbara was my next door neighbor from 1976-1982. I remember going over to visit her several times throughout the years. She was so sweet to me and everyone who knew her. Barbara was a cat lover like myself. Even though I haven't seen her for a long time. I remember all those nice talks!
March 26, 2016
Paul Thomson
My best to you John. I know you loved her very much. Paul
March 26, 2016
Kelly and Josh Allen
We are so very sorry to hear about your loss.
March 25, 2016
Gregory Casarotti
Barbara and I were Classmates through the years as well as friends. She and I had a big laugh whenever we spoke of being the last chair in the band after auditions by Mr. Parker for our grade. We always said we played musical chairs. She enjoyed coming to our WCHS '60 reunions even after she graduated from JSMA. Her family has my deepest sympathy may her soul rest in peace.
March 25, 2016
Barbara made a huge impact through the years at Sacred Heart Academy from faculty, students and parents alike. She was a tremendous help to me when I started teaching there. She became one of my dearest friends. Barbara will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Barbara's memory will live on through all the life's she touched. God Bless and may her family find strength through this difficult time.
Judy and Robert Reynard
March 25, 2016
John and family you are in our prayers your mom will be missed.
Billy and Wanda North
March 24, 2016
Kim Dooley
Barbara loved teaching children, and I was lucky enough to have her guidance and advice when I began teaching at Sacred Heart Academy. She was generous with her time and never missed a science fair until this year. She always showed up at JMU to cheer on our students at the Regional Science Fair. She was always my substitute of choice whenever I had to be away from my students, but sadly there is no substitute for her friendship and loyalty to those she cared about. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
March 24, 2016
Angie Ladd
I am deeply saddened to hear of Barbara's passing, My condolences to the family. I will miss our chats by the gazebo and walks through cemeteries. Barbara always asked about my children and family, and took the time to offer guidance and encouragement to my son whom she took under her wing. She often came out to cheer him on. She will be greatly missed.
March 23, 2016
Polly Williams Wiles
I received this obit from a friend who is from Front Royal, my birthplace. I'm sorry for your loss; It sounds like Barbara shared her love with a lot of people. I'm not sure of our relationship (I'd have to look at my genealogy pages), but I'm sure it's there. I noticed she was into genealogy, and Aylor's name is listed in my family history. May God give comfort to this family during this time of bereavement.
March 23, 2016
Karen Clay
Our three daughters had Mrs. Bracken as their fourth grade teacher at Sacred Heart Academy. It was obvious how much she enjoyed teaching and having everyone's children be a part of her life. More importantly, it was obvious how much she loved and gave of herself to her family. To the Bracken family, my prayers are with you during this sad time.May you find comfort in your memories and know that she is in God's care forever.
March 23, 2016
Sally Rutherford
To John and all of Barbara's family. I have known Barbara through high school, college and teaching. She has been a true and fun friend. She loved teaching and she dearly loved her family. I will miss her. Prayers to you all.
March 22, 2016
Jeannette Christiansen
Barbara shared her knowledge and love of science, social studies, music and other gifts with the many students who passed through Sacred Heart Academy. She assisted the music teacher with the choir on Friday masses. I will always remember her perfect penmanship, too.
I especially appreciate her support and guidance to my son, Forrest,during his eight years at Sacred Heart Academy.
Her greatest joy seemed to be found in her devotion to her son and granddaughter,October. Though I don't know her new daughter-in-law and
grandchild, I am sure she gave them the same love and caring.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God Bless You.
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