RICHMOND, Virginia
BARD, Eva Passweg. Feisty, smart, funny and loyal, Eva Bard died Sunday, March 17, 2013 at Retreat Hospital in Richmond. She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Tom; her daughter, Julia and her boyfriend, Ed Flanagan; her son, Philip; and the light of her life, her granddaughter, Sasha. She is survived by her two sisters, Ruth and her husband, Roger Dunkle, of Edison, N.J., and Judith Podell of Hebron, Conn.; as well as cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and students who will miss her greatly. Born in Strasbourg, Alsace-Lorraine in 1934, Eva immigrated to the U.S. with her parents and sister, Ruth, in 1940. Raised in Manhattan (she was a West Side girl), Eva attended Grinnell College in Iowa, where she majored in journalism and wrote a column for the college newspaper. While home on a summer vacation in 1953, she contracted polio. Her case was severe, with paralysis of her right side; the doctors held out little hope for her recovery. Rather than send her to a hospital, her mother chose to nurse her at home and she eventually made a full recovery, returning to college and the sport she loved, tennis. She retained her fluency in French her whole life, along with a love of good food and excellent wine. In 1960 Eva and Tom started their married life in Pennsylvania, later moving to Blackstone, Va. and finally to Richmond, where Eva worked as a tennis coach and pro, first for Jefferson Lakeside Country Club, then Raintree Swim & Racquet Club and finally at Virginia Commonwealth University. Eva trained and mentored players from around the world for VCU's women's tennis team for many years, until she retired. She herself was an outstanding athlete, before and after the bout with polio, excelling at tennis, ping pong and golf. Experiencing the war as a child, leaving her home at age 6, starting a new life as a refugee, those experiences shaped her and made her tough, someone who suffered fools poorly-if at all. But to those she loved, and for causes she believed in, she was a generous, fierce and loyal advocate. Sharp-tongued and intellectually nimble, in a fight, you'd want Eva on your side. She embraced the world, and it will be duller without her. Memorial service information to follow.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Eva was an incredible mentor. She believed in me when I was young at Raintree. She pushed me and sometimes made me angry but she always made me better. She gave me a spot on the team at VCU and her encouragement never stopped. She was fierce but enormously kind. She will be missed by all that knew her. Peace be with her family.
Lesley Jones Williams
June 05, 2013 | Jacksonville, FL
We were friends at Grinnell College where I greatly admired Eva's independence, intelligence, and sense of fun. Only occasional cards or email in recent years but I feel the loss--can't quite believe it. Love from Ozzie
May 15, 2013
I knew Eva just for a short time and in a casual manner. She lived across the street from my son in Midlothian. She always had a smile and kind word to say, and reached out as good neighbors do. I always felt good, knowing she was there. It was a privilege to known her even for a short time.
Anne Duffy
April 29, 2013 | Madison, WI
As the neighbor across the street for 10 years, I knew Eva as the woman who came to my rescue on many occasions. I felt solidly secure knowing she and Tom were so close by. I miss her kindness and am inspired by her ability to know and care for someone without in any way intruding. My heart is with her family now.
Debbie Culley
April 28, 2013 | Midlothian, VA
Eva, you and I had many tennis conversations at Raintree and VCU, as you relentlessly encouraged me to be a better person and tennis player.I will always miss your laughter and determination.
David M. Carter
April 17, 2013 | Henrico, VA
I'll never forget her easy demeanor when you talked to her, or her radiant smile she would flash...am glad to have had the privelege of knowing her, she will be sorely missed.
Jon Ramthun
April 09, 2013 | Midlothian
My love and deepest sympathies for Eva's family. She and Mom (Catherine Thoma) were great friends. I will always remember Eva as a powerful force with an amazing spirit and a terrific laugh. She will greatly missed.
Laura Thoma
April 03, 2013 | Chicago, IL
I was so sorry to hear of Eva's death. She was so unique - smart and funny. Eva will be missed at the Midlothian YMCA.
Jan Wood
April 01, 2013 | Midlothian
I first met Eva in 1975 and she gave me my first teaching job at a club.She was feisty and a great friend for over 35 years. The tennis community lost a great friend.
Ron Atkinson
March 28, 2013 | Richmond, VA
