Barbara A. Peret

Passed away peacefully on June 2, 2020. Barbara Ann Albrecht was born May 14, 1922 (Mother’s Day) in Columbia, MO to Gertrude (Lehman) and William A. Albrecht. She grew up in that college town and often reflected that she appreciated the special experiences of her childhood in that community of faculty families. Barbara Ann received an associate’s degree from Stephens College (then a two-year women’s college) and following, graduated in 1943 from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in history. She was inducted into Morterboard National Honor Society as a senior in college. She continued her practical education by attending Katharine Gibbs School in Boston, the premier training program for a secretarial career. While at Stephens, Barbara Ann met J. Cortland G. Peret, a student at MU. Their first date was December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. Their courtship continued as Cortland entered the Navy in 1942 and they married on June 30, 1944. After the war, the couple had two children and Barbara often remarked that motherhood was her greatest joy in life. The family moved to Falls Church City in 1956. Throughout her life, Barbara valued family, education, duty and service. She was an active volunteer in her church, her children’s schools, her Stephens Alumnae Association chapter and her Delta Gamma Alumnae group. After her children left for college, she took a job with Falls Church Public Schools in the school board office and contributed professionally for twenty-five years . Barbara was a wonderful hostess and gourmet cook and she welcomed extended family visiting the nation’s capital. She celebrated holidays together with her husband and children and added special touches to make every gathering festive and lovely. The couple’s 50th Anniversary dinner with close friends and extended family at Chez Andree and a 60th anniversary Mississippi River cruise on the historic sternwheeler Delta Queen with family were highlights. In retirement, Barbara and Cortland enjoyed many trips to Europe and throughout the U. S. and Canada. Barbara is survived by her son Cort of Annandale and daughter Anne of Arlington, as well as cousins in Raleigh and Palos Verdes with whom she has been close her whole life. Her nieces and nephews will miss her as well as friends and staff members at Goodwin House at the Falls Church campus where she lived the last 11 years. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at a future date at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046) or the Goodwin House Foundation designated for the Staff Support Fund/COVID or the Citizenship Application Fee Program (3440 S. Jefferson St, Falls Church, VA 22041) or to an educational institution of your choice.