We are here to honor our beautiful, sweet Wife, Mother, and Grandmother: Barbara Madelyn Golden. She was the kindest and sweetest person we’ve ever known, who brought warmth and light to all who knew her. Everything she did, she did with grace, elegance and thoughtfulness. She loved her family. She was the bedrock of our family, providing a constant presence and always lifted our spirits just being around her. Barbara was born November 3, 1935 to William and Elizabeth Wilson, and was the oldest sibling to her brother William Wilson Jr. She maintained a loving and close relationship with her brother William until he passed away unexpectedly last year.. She attended nursing school in Florida and became a Registered Nurse. Even after retiring to focus on being a full-time Mommy and Housewife, she never lost that caring, generous nature. Her oldest daughter, Susan, followed in her footsteps and is also a Registered Nurse.
Barbara grew up in Saint Clairsville, Ohio and later moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she studied nursing and became an RN. At a Methodist Church in Coral Gables, FL in late 1968, she met Joe, her husband of 55 years and love of her life. They wed in 1969 and had their first daughters, twins Julie and Susan, born prematurely in October 1970. Sadly, Julie did not survive, and now our beloved Mother joins her with the Heavenly Father. Carrie, their 3rd daughter, was born in December 1972, and shares a birthday with Joe. Over the years, Barbara raised 2 girls and supported Joe in his meteorology career, which moved the family from Miami, FL, to Norman, OK, to Boulder, CO, to the Washington DC/MD area, and then finally back to Boulder, CO. Barbara was known to be a terrific cook and loved to bake, read, crochet and travel. Together, Joe and Barbara continued to sing in church choirs with their daughters, such as when at First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, CO (now Grace Commons Church). They also hosted many dinner parties (where Barbara's great cooking and baking skills were much appreciated!) when they welcomed many friends and families into their home. Joe and Barbara also were able to enjoy many travels around the globe, especially after Joe's retirement from NOAA.
The unseen gifts that Barbara gave to her family were boundless among many unconditional loving acts that will stay with us forever. She welcomed and deeply loved 5 beautiful grandchildren - Jordan, Christopher, Megan, Emily, and Caitlin. And although she wasn't able to see all of them as much as she wished, her love for them has never faltered and never failed. She will still eternally love them all.
On January 10th, 2024 at 8:00 in the morning, she left her frail body and became a part of God’s glorious Kingdom. We come together today to celebrate Barbara's life. Anyone that knew her or even just met her, felt her warmth and sweetness that left you with a smile and a warm heart. Our hearts are broken as we are left without her. But now, she is living eternally with our Lord, and her spirit and love will be with us always.
To reflect on the last few days of her life in this world, we'd like to share a story: A few days after returning home from the hospital recently, she was laying in bed, staring at the ceiling with a smile on her face. Her daughter asked her: "Mom, what are you thinking about?" Barbara paused for a moment and then answered: “About what a wonderful life I’ve had.”
We feel honored to have shared a life with Barbara. And we thank you for coming to help us honor her life.
