Barbara Gorman Bove

She was born in Cohoes, New York, on September 2, 1931 to a proud and devoutly Catholic Irish-American family. Barbara was the youngest of five children of the late James W. and Diana Massey Gorman. She graduated from Vincentian Institute, Albany, in 1949, and attended Albany Business College. After college, she held the position of office manager for the prestigious Albany architectural firm of Marcus T. Reynolds.

Barbara met her future husband, Vincent, in the college cafeteria. They enjoyed a long, loving life together, having celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last June. Her reserved and quiet nature belied the fact that she was a strong, intelligent, and focused person. After putting her new husband through Bryant College, she followed him to Pensacola, Florida working on the base admiral’s staff while he served in the US Navy. This pattern of supporting her family, continued for the rest of her life.

Barbara said she was lucky to have the opportunity to practice her chosen profession of wife and mother – and she did both very well. Family, faith, and friends were her priorities. Her habit of saying a daily rosary was legendary, and her children recall reciting prayers aloud on long car rides through Upstate New York.

The epitome of a servant-leader, she was quick to assess any situation and do what needed to be done to care for others. Always the first to volunteer as room-mother, Barbara probably went on more field trips to the old Butter Krust bakery than some of the teachers. Her station wagon was always filled with kids (hers and any others needing a ride) taking them to and from after school events, and she could be counted on to supply a couple dozen cookies or cupcakes for any occasion – baked usually at a moment’s notice.

Barbara was committed to supporting her community as well. Whether serving coffee and donuts after Mass on Sundays, volunteering at Seton Hospital, working tirelessly at the Assistance League, or in other volunteer groups, Barbara was always ready to lend a hand.

She and Vince were also blessed with a tight-knit group of friends, who they cherished deeply. Many of the relationships that developed through church, volunteer groups, neighbors, Vince’s business contacts, or over the bridge table, remain strong today – more than 50 years later.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband Vincent; her children and their spouses: John “Tony,” Marc (Kimberly), Marianne Bove Dorer (Dave), Vince (Tani), and Christopher (Deborah); her grandchildren: Victoria Bove Lanier (Greg), Alec Bove, Briley Bove, and Jack and William Dorer. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Frank and John Bove (Donna); nieces: Barbara Shufelt Lett (Dave Marcy), Adrienne Gorman Lorah, Margaret Gorman (Caroline Schweyer), and Tina Bove Pugliese (Dee); and nephews: Frank Bove and John Bove, and James, Daniel, and Michael Gorman. She was predeceased by her parents, and by her siblings and their spouses: John Gorman (Joan), Jean Gorman Aiken, and Jim Gorman (Martine). Barbara was also predeceased by her beloved sister, Diana “Dolly” Gorman Shufelt (Arthur) with whom she shared a unique and unwavering bond of total devotion that remained steadfast throughout their lives. When they were together, they were the best entertainment around!

Our family would like to thank the staff of Westminster Manor, and particularly the wonderful staff at the Arbor Health Center Memory Care unit who treated Barbara with compassion and dignity.

A rosary will be recited on Sunday, January 27th, at 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas, on Monday, January 28th, at 10:00 AM. A reception in the church’s family center will immediately follow the funeral. There will be a private burial service at a later time.