Lewiston – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Luise (Gniechwitz) Underwood on Feb. 9th 2024, at CMMC with her loving family at her side. Barb was born in Breslau, Germany on Sept. 11, 1934 to Herbert Paul Gniechwitz and Klara (Knaebel) Gniechwitz. She and her family survived the horrors of WWII in Germany, immigrated to America in May 1952 and settled in Miami, Fla. While attending Massage School, Barb met and later married Robert W. Underwood on Jan. 1, 1954, creating a special union that lasted until his passing in August 2021.
Barb and Bob enjoyed many happy years together raising their three children in Florida and, later, in Connecticut. She loved sharing with us her love of music, her knowledge of nature and her affinity for the outdoors – traveling the country and camping in their homemade campers – even bringing her small accordion to play while sitting around the campfires. She was a life-long learner and returned to school in her 40’s to become a Chairside Dental Assistant. She was a prolific creator in several mediums: painting, glass fusing, jewelry-making, metalworking, knitting and so much more. After her retirement from Dental Assisting, she fulfilled her dream of designing and selling her artistic creations by opening her own craft shop, Shiloh’s Mything Link, at her home in Coventry, Conn. in 1986. An active member in the community (scouts, church, fife and drum/living history artificers), she was happiest when she could demonstrate & teach her skills to others. Her creative talents were passed on to her children and grandchildren, for which they are ever grateful.
One of her proudest and most meaningful accomplishments was becoming a facilitator of a PFLAG support group in Coventry, Conn. providing a safe meeting space for parents and others for over a decade until moving to Maine in 2004. Barb, along with Bob, were huge supporters of the LGBTQ community and were passionate about equality issues. She wrote countless Op-ed’s and letters to her congressional representatives in support of marriage equality, equal rights and compassion for peaceful co-existence – opening readers’ hearts and minds in Conn. and Maine – and was beloved by all who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her children, Monica McCusker (David) of Lisbon, ME, Eric Underwood (Douglas Miller) of California, and Rebecca Underwood (Randy Jawor) of Wisconsin; her brother, Olaf Gniechwitz (Chrisanne), niece, Briony Gniechwitz (Eric) of California; grandchildren: Erika Moore (Ryan) of Lisbon ME, Stephanie McCusker (Henry Whyte) of New Zealand, Grayson Savoie (Alexia Walleser) of Illinois and Paul Savoie (Wisconsin). Also missing her are her great-grandchildren, Sean and Sarah Moore, Piper and Archer Whyte.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob, of 70 years, her parents and sister, Ellen Gniechwitz.
Honoring Barb’s wishes, an intimate memorial service was held on Feb. 12, 2024, at Lisbon United Methodist Church, Lisbon Falls, Maine. If you wish to support Barb’s causes, donations can be made in her memory to: Equality Maine (equalitymaine.org) or Seeds of Peace Camp (seedsofpeace.org).
DO MORE - by John Hansen Rhodes
Do more than exist ~ Live.
Do more than touch ~ Feel.
Do more than look ~ Observe.
Do more than hear ~ Listen.
Do more than listen ~ Understand.
Do more than talk ~ Say Something.
Arrangements are under the care of Crosman Funeral Home | 40 Main Street Lisbon Falls, ME 04252
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