Barbara Jean Timmerman

October 1, 1940 – April 15, 2026

Barbara Jean Timmerman, age 85, passed away peacefully in hospice care on April 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by an unwavering devotion to her family and a profound commitment to the communities she called home.

Above all else, Barb was the heart of her family. For over 62 years, she shared a life of deep partnership and joy with her husband, Douglas John Timmerman, who preceded her in death in 2024. Together, they raised four sons, creating a home characterized by community connection and gracious hospitality. They began their marriage living in Bloomington, Indiana, started their family in Platteville, Wisconsin, and moved to Madison, Wisconsin to pursue professional opportunities for Doug in 1978.

Barb was a woman who delighted in bringing people together, and she believed life’s milestones deserved to be celebrated with flair. She was a legendary hostess who absolutely loved a theme; a themed party, a curated dinner, or a perfectly coordinated outfit was never passed over. Whether she was hosting her P.E.O. sisters, her Covenant group, book groups, or multi-generational family celebrations, her creative spirit made every gathering memorable. Her love extended backward and forward through the generations; she was a devoted daughter who cared for her parents and mother-in-law, a lifelong confidant to her sister, and an active Grandma who delighted in being a part of her grandchildren’s lives. In her last months, visits from her first great-grandchild Nellie brought huge smiles to her face.

Barb’s dedication to her community was not merely a list of memberships, but a lived philosophy of "giving back." A proud member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) for decades, she served in numerous leadership roles, eventually presiding as President of the Wisconsin State Chapter from 1998–1999. Her social commitment was vast: she spent years on the boards of the American Heart Association and the Madison Symphony Orchestra League, and volunteered her time with the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, and the Attic Angel Association.

Music was the thread that connected Barb to everyone she met. A talented pianist from childhood, she shared her gift generously—from playing at her aunt and uncle’s funeral home as a young girl to leading devotions at Attic Angel Senior Living for over 20 years. In Fort Lauderdale, where she and Doug moved full time in 2010, she performed duets with her sister at area functions, founded the music ministry at Grace Wesleyan Church, and even in her final years at Belmont Village, she was known for spending her mornings at the keys as the “Piano Lady,” offering comfort and joy to fellow residents through her extensive collection of sheet music.

When she wasn't at the piano, Barb was often at her sewing machine. An accomplished seamstress, she maintained a sewing room throughout her life, first creating clothing for her family and later crafting toys and aprons. Her handmade counted cross-stitch pillows—each thoughtfully designed to reflect a favorite animal, flower, or theme—remain lasting expressions of her creativity and love.

Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Edward and Elizabeth Lund, Barb never lost her love for her Norwegian heritage or her Wisconsin roots, sentiments she carried with her even as she and Doug traveled the world together. A proud 1958 graduate of Logan High School and a Distinguished Alumna of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (class of 1962), she dedicated her professional life to education. She taught secondary business education in Platteville, Cuba City, and Iowa-Grant schools, as well as adult education in the Madison area. Even her early jobs, like waitressing at the Halfway Tea Room at Doerflinger’s in downtown La Crosse, reflected her lifelong joy in connecting with and serving others.

Barb is survived by her four sons: Drew (Karen), Mark (Jennifer), Jay, and Christopher (Deborah Levine); her grandchildren: Emily (Isaac) Portz, Andrew, Charles, Ezra, and Samuel Timmerman; and her great-granddaughter, Nellie Portz. She also leaves behind her sister, Patricia Dunford, and a large circle of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with Barb and Doug to be interred together at Hilltop Rest Cemetery in Ontario, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Barb’s memory to Catholic Health Services Hospice in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.