Barbara A Clements

Nov 18, 1935 - May 9, 2020

It is with great sadness that the Clements family announces the passing of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Barbara Ann (Eslin) Clements on May 9, 2020 in Arlington, VA. She was born on November 18, 1935 in Washington, D.C. to the late Charles “Bud” Eslin and the late Ann (Mooney) Eslin.

Barbara graduated from Coolidge High School where she was senior class president. She attended Wilson Teachers College where she went on her first date to the Harvest Moon Ball with Charles Ray Clements, who would become her devoted husband for 63 years.

She was a first grade teacher until becoming a doting mother to Charles Jr., Kevin and Keith. She eventually embarked on a 30-year career on Capitol Hill, first working for Senator Jim Broyhill as a member of his administrative staff, then for Senator Ted Stevens. Despite her demanding job, she always put her family first, never missing her sons’ school or sports activities.

Barbara’s family and friends were her greatest sources of joy and she was equally adored by all those who knew her.

Her proudest role was being a mom and grandma, and not just to her sons and grandchildren but to anyone who needed it. She was therapist, chauffeur, line cook, and disciplinarian to many of the neighborhood children. She and Charlie spent many years organizing and chaperoning ski trips to Seven Springs and beach trips to Ocean City, MD, doing her best to keep a spirited group of teens (and her husband) in line. There are few teen boys who grew up in Arlington in the 70s and 80s who didn’t, at least once, feel the wrath of “Broom Hilda”, a moniker she wore proudly.

She was also a breast cancer survivor. She was never one to back down from a fight and faced her challenges head on and with levity, defying doctors and naysayers with her stubbornness and strength of will.

Barbara enjoyed her retirement by traveling the world with her beloved Charlie and spending as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren at her home in Arlington, Virginia and in Ocean City, Maryland. She remained active in her community and with her “family” from her time on the Hill. She was a member of both the North Carolina State Society and the Alaska State Society. She was a big supporter of various charities, including those closest to her heart - the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Barbara is preceded in death by her brothers Donald (Donnie) Eslin and Charles (Chip) Eslin.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Charlie; her three sons (and daughters-in-law) Charles (Jane), Kevin (Tracy), and Keith (Susan); her six grandchildren Timothy, Kelly, Jacob, Brett, Megan, and Brooks; and her many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at Murphy Funeral Homes in Arlington, Virginia, followed by a private burial at Columbia Gardens Cemetery.

A reception celebrating Barbara’s life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations be made in her memory.