Barbara J. Redmond

Redmond, Barbara, on October 19, 2013, beloved wife, mother, nana, and great nana was reunited with her husband, Jack in the Kingdom of Heaven. She joined him less than an hour from his birthday. Barbara Jean Shoemaker was born in Columbus, Ohio on November 4, 1937. While living in Ohio, she became sick with Rheumatic Fever and was told she should move out west to dry air. Her family moved to Phoenix when she was twelve. During her school years she attended Grandview School and West High School. While in high school she met John Redmond and they wed on June 10, 1961. After high school, she worked at Salt River Project. Barbara and Jack started their family and Barbara stayed home with all three children until her youngest was school age. At that time, she started her career with the Osborn School District. She knew the district well as she volunteered at Encanto School as a class mom and through PTA. She was the XEROX operator at the district office where she made copies for the entire district. Roughly four years later she accepted a position as the school secretary at Clarendon School where she discovered her passion for helping others. Barbara’s outgoing personality and warm, nurturing manner was exactly what the students and teachers needed. She not only helped all students but teachers as well. Everyone who met her knew that she wholeheartedly loved her job and the students and teachers she worked with. She worked at Clarendon Elementary for 25 years and made a lasting impression and lifelong friends. During this time she was the president of PEOPA and was a “second mother” to students and teachers. She was an amazing, positive person who saw the good in everyone and everything. Barbara was an independent, creative woman who raised three children. She instilled the importance of family and traditions. She loved holidays and was known for going overboard at Christmas. As her children grew into adults she welcomed son and daughter in laws and relished in being a Nana. Her grandchildren have brought her joy and personal strength as time flew by. Barbara was so fortunate to become a great grandmother as was given the name of “G- Nana”. She has been blessed with two beautiful great grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Betty Shoemaker, and husband John. She is survived by her son John (Deb), daughters Marney and April (Doug), five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Let’s celebrate Babs! Bring your best story and wear purple. Gathering at 9:00 am, Celebration at 10:00am on Thursday, October 24 at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Hospice of the Valley in Barbara’s name.