Barbara Munro

Born December 13,1929 in Dorchester, MA to Helen and Frederick. Predeceased by her husband, Donald Munro, age 94.

Survived by her daughter Lindy; son Bruce and his wife Mary Beth and their children Nikki Turnage (Rob), Hannah Powell (Jake), and Braden; son Neil and his wife Martha Jane Murray-Munro and their children Sarah and Evan; daughter Mollie and her husband Tod Swiecichowski; daughter Christine and her husband Robert Jackson, and many other relatives in the extended family.

During childhood, Barbara’s family faced numerous obstacles which ultimately contributed to the indomitable spirit she held throughout life.

Prior to her marriage, Barbara worked in New York City at the renowned Stork Club, in Cape Cod at a local theater, and Boston in a variety of jobs, but teaching dance at The Arthur Murray Dance Studios best suited her passion for music and movement. She was always the best dancer at any soiree, though often not with her husband, who was born with two left feet!

Barbara and Don were married in Boston, Massachusetts, initially settling in Littleton, New Hampshire. But in 1959, Don’s career took them to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where they raised their family on Lake Hamilton and spent the rest of their lives. While Barbara did not formally hold a position in Don’s shoe company, she was a major contributor to its success by warmly hosting countless business clients, colleagues and employees.

Barbara had a natural curiosity and loved the many opportunities she had to travel with her immediate and extended family, which took her all over the world, from the Far East to the tip of South American and a multitude of places in between, allowing her to experience different cultures and broaden her world view.

Barbara and Don built a home in Colorado to take advantage of winter skiing, but it was the Colorado summers that captivated Barbara. She reveled in the high alpine meadows and humidity free air. She enrolled in pottery classes at The Anderson Ranch Arts Center as often as possible and befriended many of the local artists. Her classes at Anderson Ranch motivated her to create a home pottery studio where she could work and share artistic pursuits with anyone interested, but most importantly her beloved grandchildren.

Barbara held a special and dedicated place in her heart for vulnerable children and animals, rescuing, supporting and always helping where possible – she never turned away from those who needed her.

Barbara was also a life-long devotee to outdoor physical pursuits. She loved canoeing with friends and family, and hiking and bird watching in Arkansas, Colorado and Switzerland. Her favorite, almost daily routine, weather permitting, was kayaking from her home to Garvan Gardens, doing “her walk” then kayaking home. Around the Gardens, this became known as “Barbara’s Walk” because of the frequency and regularity of her avocation and, in 2006, the family dedicated a monument to her as recognition and motivation to others.

The family is having a private service, but if anyone wishes to honor her memory, a charitable gift to Garvan Gardens would be the perfect tribute. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GrossFuneralHome.com for Barbara’s family.