Barbara Likowski

Barbara Elizabeth Likowski January 23, 1927 - September 1, 2016 Barbara E. Likowski died in the early hours of September 1, 2016 in a peaceful sleep at the Heritage Harbour Rehabilitation Center near Annapolis, having overcome many challenges caused by a tragic fall in her home on New Year's Eve. She was 89 years old. Barbara was born on January 23, 1927 in Muncy, Pennsylvania, the eldest of three children born to Mabel (Ridall) and William C. Noble. After graduating from Plymouth High School in 1945, Barbara attended Wilkes College where she earned her B. A. in sociology and met her true love, Julius E. Likowski. They were married in 1953 in Detroit, moving to Greenbelt in 1966 where they would spend the rest of their lives together, raising their two children, Betsy and Alex. Her exemplary life was dedicated to serving the Greenbelt community, making a special contribution to area children in an after school program she loved. Barbara was most often found at the Greenbelt Center Elementary School, where she was a substitute teacher for many years, and at the Greenbelt News Review, where she began work in 1970. She served as Assistant Editor, and was known for her exacting professional standards as a reporter and copy editor. Losing her beloved husband in 2002, Barbara's life was brightened again in 2005 with the arrival of her first grandchild. Greenbelt honored Barbara in 2007 for decades of contributions to the community by selecting her as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year, the same year she was honored for her citizenship by both Governor O'Malley and the Prince George's County state delegation. Her second grandchild's arrival made 2007 an especially great year for Barbara. She cherished her role as grandmother every day since. Barbara's loving brother and sister, David and Elaine Noble, both of Pennsylvania, survive her, as do her devoted son, daughter, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Barbara joined the Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church in 1959. Colleagues, friends and neighbors are invited to celebrate the life of this generous, loving, determined woman on Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 12 noon until 2:00 at the church, located at 3215 Powder Mill Road, in Adelphi, Maryland. In lieu of flowers and in preparation for her celebration, the family is asking for photos and remembrances of Barbara to be emailed to [email protected]. Donations can also be made to the American Cancer Society, recognizing Barbara's triumph over breast cancer several years ago.