Official Obituary:Anne L. Barrows, nee Bartenfeld; beloved wife of the late John; dear mother of Barbara (James Thoresen) Barrows and Laura Barrows; cherished grandmother of Anika Thoresen. Memorial Services 3 p.m. Sunday,Feb.13, 2011 at Northshore Unitarian Church, 2100 Half Day Rd., Deerfield, IL. In lieu of flowers, Memorials to the church. Arrangements by: Friedrichs Funeral Home. (847) 255-7800 or www.FriedrichsFH.com
Dear Family and Friends:
Since I don’t know which people Dolly Howard sent this to, there may be some overlapping. To others this may be the first news you have had about the passing the other day of my sister-in-law, Anne Barrows. I’ve tried to include everyone on my email list who may have known Anne.
Anne was in a “rehab” facility, recovering from the shock of John’s passing., when suddenly, the other day, she decided to join him. This email from Dolly is the most beautiful letter I can imagine; I’m sure I could not done as well, so I thank her with all my heart.
I should mention this has been a particularly “heavy” time for Dolly and her friends. Not only has she lost my brother and his wife, but also her own dear mother whom she cared for many years.. Since she is an ordained pastor, I suspect there are other friends I don’t know about. she has been involved with. I ask that you keep keep her in your prayers too, for she has been quite sick w/a persistent cold-type illness for several weeks. Bill
Excerpts from a letter written to Bill Barrows:
Anne was a creative gal. A nurse by occupation & an animal lover & devoted mom to her two daughters Laura & Barb, both wonderful women of intelligence & grace. Anne spoke so proudly of her daughters & adored her granddaughter, the light of her life. Barb has adopted Heidi the wonderful lab that was fur daughter for John & Anne for many years. My dogs loved Heidi & when John & Anne were in town we would go to various places where these 3 big dogs could run freely & romp & play, chase down good smells, chase squirrels & just be dogs. Heidi normally did not return as clean as Anne would like. My dogs “influence” perhaps?
I did many things with Anne & John when they were in town, normally on the way to the cottage in Maine for the yearly month long vacation. It was fun going through some past photos just now to smile & recall the great times we shared. They loved the old family vacation spot on Bustin Island but each year the journey & all involved got more difficult. Anne was a great conversationalist & a woman with extensive reading & knowledge. She humbled me.
Just letting you all know. As we get older more & more of our friends and family step over to the great beyond & we must keep their memory (and I LOVE MY PHOTO REMEMBRANCES) & the times shared in our hearts.
Prayers for Barb & Laura. Losing two parents in a short period of time is difficult. And they had a difficult year with all the illness, hospitals, rehabs centers, nursing centers etc. They were devoted daughters to their parents
“One never dies if their memory lives in the hearts of others”
Warm regards,
Dolly Howard
