Barbara Carpenter Fleischman

Barbara Carpenter Fleischman died just shy of 94 years old in Lubbock, Texas on November 2, 2022. Barbara was born to Frederick I. Carpenter II and Lillian “Dixie” Cook Carpenter on December 21, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, the oldest of their four children. Barbara spent most of her childhood years in Belmont, Massachusetts where she enjoyed spending time with her best friend / brother Alan as well as her beloved mother. Barbara’s mother taught her how to garden, swim, and play field hockey. In 1946 Barbara moved to California with her parents where she attended the University of California at Berkely where her father taught as a professor. Barbara earned her B.A. degree in anthropology while also earning all - California honors in field hockey. In 1950 Barbara met the love of her life, Anton M. Fleischman, while they were both working at Yosemite National Park. The couple were married April 15, 1952. Barbara’s passion was being a wife and mother and she thoroughly enjoyed raising her four children: Eric, Lynne, Beth, and Gary. She also taught grade school for approximately 15 years and enjoyed teaching children and helping mold their lives. Barbara was especially passionate about her relationship with Christ and was instrumental in helping pave the way for the rest of her immediate family to follow her spiritual example. Barbara also had a great love of animals, especially border collies. Barbara was a physical phenomenon. For example, when watching one of her son’s ultra-marathon, she got bored and decided to run 16 miles herself at the age of 60. At the age of 80 she enjoyed playing tag with her grandchildren, where she was difficult to tag. In 1989 Barbara and Anton retired and moved from California to Washington state where they enjoyed many years serving in their church as well as enjoying the nearby wilderness. They especially enjoyed creating trails on the many acres of land that they purchased. They also bought a forest preserve where they planted thousands of trees to replace those harvested for lumber. Anton predeceased Barbara in death on January 5, 2018, concluding 65 years of marriage. Barbara spent that last 5 years residing in Lubbock to be near her son Gary and his family. Barbara is survived by her three younger siblings, her four children and their spouses, as well as 10 grandchildren and six great – grandchildren.Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for the Fleischman family.