Barbara Blackwell, Floral Designer, Dies At 86

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Barbara Ann Blackwell, 86, formerly of Phoenixville, died peacefully on Dec. 10, 2020 at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community in Wheat Ridge, Colo.

Born on March 18, 1934, in Oxford, England, she is predeceased by her late husband of 55 years, Rodger Blackwell.

Barbara and the love of her life, Rodger, were married at St. Barnabas Church, Oxford, in 1954. Following the birth of their first daughter, Judy, in 1955, Barbara fearlessly left her large, extended family in the UK to create a new life with Rodger in the United States.

They lived in Wellsboro, Pa. and later moved to Phoenixville, where their two daughters, Karen and Cindy, were born. A devoted wife and mother, Barbara saw her family grow into a loving and extended family that now includes her children and their spouses: Judy (Jon) Detwiler, Karen (Barb Goldworm) Blackwell, Cindy (Dave) Kotary; loving grandchildren and spouses: Stacey Detwiler, Bryan (Anna) Detwiler, Lindsay Blackwell Goldworm (Dave Ackerman), Robin (Garrett) Eastman, and Rachel Kotary; and great-grandchildren, Harper Eastman and Cole, Mackenzie, and Easton Ackerman.

She and Rodger loved going on vacations and cruises with their children and grandchildren whenever they could.

Barbara's gentle and friendly disposition, lightly touched with her British accent, immediately drew new friends to her. She met her best friend, June Meadows, at Phoenixville Hospital while they were both giving birth to their children, and considered her to be another sister. The two shared a lifelong bond of love.

As Barbara's children grew and went to college, her natural artistic creativity “blossomed” as she pursued a career as a floral designer with Leary’s Flowers in Phoenixville and later with Batchelor’s Flowers.

Her lovingly-made bridal bouquets, festive holiday table arrangements, and funeral sprays were part of many Phoenixville celebrations and remembrances for nearly two decades.

Barbara loved the sun, and for years following retirement, traveled with Rodger to their favorite island, Exuma, in the Bahamas, to spend the winter months, reunite with their friends, and enjoy conch chowder.

At the age of 80, Barbara again fearlessly made another big move, this time from Phoenixville to Sunrise Senior Living in Broomfield, Colo. where her daughter Cindy lives. During these years, she enjoyed time with her Colorado family, cheered for the Denver Broncos — and the Philadelphia Eagles — celebrated the weddings of two grandchildren, and met her great-granddaughter, Harper.

Her extended family gathered in Colorado for a festive 85th birthday celebration last March.

Barbara’s family mourns the passing of this lovely and loving woman and plans a celebration of her life and burial at Limerick Garden of Memories in Limerick, later in 2021.