Still Cracking Wise

I knew of Barbara before I actually met her and became friends with her. She was known by many as the woman who wrote the history column in the Coloradoan. Folks loved her column but always commented, “but that hat!” I finally broke down and asked Barbara about “that hat.” Turns out her best childhood friend’s daughter got married at the Avery House and chose a Victorian theme for the wedding. Barbara was the “other mother” to the bride, so she was included in the family wedding party. They all dressed in Victorian garb and Barbara wore the hat. Barbara’s eyes lit up as she told the story, a story of a joyful family gathering and celebration. The wedding was three decades ago and yet the hat decorated the door of her apartment at Brookdale Assisted Living where her days ended.

Submitted by Jane Everham

By: Kirsten Hartman

Knowing Barbara

                

I was always a fan of Barbara Fleming’s history columns in the Coloradoan, looking forward to reading one every week. When I heard she was going to teach a class about historic women in Larimer County, I signed up. 

Usually I read the class expectations ahead of time, but this time I didn’t. I cruised into the first class, planning to sit and listen to a lecture with perhaps some discussion. But no! She had other expectations! We were to do research on a woman chosen from a list provided to the class and then make a presentation. After I recovered from this surprise, I found I enjoyed the experience of research, writing, rewriting and putting together a presentation that hopefully would engage the class. Barbara was encouraging, informative and helpful … of course, how many years did she teach? Not only did I learn a lot, the class was interesting and I had fun.

During 2020, with a lot of time at home, I decide to complete a biography of my great grandmother, also a woman of strength and determination. I thought maybe Barbara might be willing to help me finalize my writing. She agreed to be my editor, and I was so excited. She helped me clarify my thoughts, smooth the flow and all the details I never would have thought of. I never really considered myself a writer, but from this experience maybe I have to give up that notion.

Thank you, Barbara.

Cherrie, Thornton

November, 17, 2021

 

By: Cherrie Thornton

Goodbye

 

My friend, colleague, and mentor died last Friday. While her health was declining, her mind was clear and so determined to continue writing that her sudden death came as a shocking surprise to those who knew her. For the past 5 years she handled the Graceful Aging blog for PAFC. She edited ("lightly edited" as she would say), organized and, solicited contributions while my job was to post them on the website. She was more than generous with her time to keep the blog alive, healthy, and relevant.    

To read more about Barbara, The Coloadoan, the host of  her weekly Fort Collins history column, has published a tribute to her life.  And she has had her own website where her published books and thoughts about writing are highlighted.

Goodbye my very dear friend. I am saddened by your leaving.  I will miss you but I know that through your writing you are now yourself a part of our city's history.  

By: Bonnie Shetler