Barbara L. Naquin passed away on July 31, 2019, following a fall at home.
Born in Chicago in June of 1936, she was predeceased by her identical twin, Roberta Thrall, and parents, Robert E. Lee Jr., and Gertrude Ackerman Lee of Jacksonville, Florida.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Capt. Christopher W. P. Naquin; sons, William E. Naquin and Robert J. Naquin of Gloucester; sister-in-law, Lorraine N. Tyler of Washington, D.C.; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Smith Naquin, and grandchildren, Jennings Power Naquin, Olivia Garner Naquin and Ava Grace McLean Naquin, all of Gloucester. She was extremely fond of her five nieces, Mrs. Lisa Tyler Garr of Boca Raton, Florida, Mrs. Glenn Dulmage of Saddle River, New Jersey, Ms. Julia Tyler of Alexandria, Mrs. Shelley Darrow of Orlando, Florida, and Mrs. Kimberley Nowak of Winter Springs, Florida, and of her devoted friend, Mrs. Jeannie Mann of Gloucester.
For nearly 40 years, Barbara lived with her family at her beloved home, ‘Annefield,’ on Wilson Creek; she loved living on the water, and would proudly say you could see the water from almost every room of her home. Fortunate in her extensive travels, she often recounted memories of Hawaii in the late ’40s, of climbing Mt. Fuji whilst her father was stationed in Japan, of teaching in Iceland, and of numerous exotic trips to Europe, Asia, and Africa in the company of her faithful travelling companion and sister Roberta. She was a survivor of the Mexico City earthquake of 1964, which had the temerity to occur during her honeymoon. Barbara was equally glad of her experiences of living and travelling in different parts of the United States. Her father’s military career led to periods of residence in Palo Alto, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Tallahassee, and Arlington. It is certain that her early experiences were integral in forming her open-minded acceptance of all people and customs; she was eager for new experiences and pleased to make friends wherever she could.
A teacher and reading specialist for many years, Barbara concluded her career at Ware Academy. In retirement, she was active with the Children’s Museum, and the Ware River Circle of The King’s Daughters. She delighted in needlepoint and painting, and when arthritis made these difficult, she resorted to reading, music, and playing contact bridge with old and new friends. She followed the late-night comedy shows, and would still be laughing at their jokes the next morning.
A Roman Catholic for most of her life, Barbara ultimately affiliated with Abingdon Episcopal Church, where her husband Chris and son William worship, and where her son Robert was married. She enjoyed participating in the Altar Guild.
In the final years of her life, Barbara’s chief joy was her grandchildren. Lovingly referred to as “Mimi,” Barbara would watch for them at the window and greet them with a huge smile and giggle as they walked toward the door. With them she shared her love of painting, spending many hours working with them on their own canvases. She also loved to play cards with the children, even teaching them to play Bridge. During her final years, the children delighted in doing puzzles with Mimi and listening to stories of her travels. The love and devotion Mimi shared with Jennings, Olivia, and Ava Grace will remain always, and the memories they made with her will be treasured forever. She was a true blessing to every life she touched.
A private graveside service is planned in Abingdon churchyard.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy might take the form of contributions to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughter, P.O. Box 2156, Norfolk, Va. 23501.
Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, is in charge of arrangements.