Barbie Mitchell Perry

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Arizona State University University of Arizona

Barbie Perry Obituary

Barbie Mitchell Perry Born Evanston, IL, 1933, died of breast cancer at her Phoenix home on April 5, 2004, still searching "after the same rainbow's end, waiting round the bend". She was one third part Power of Positive Thinking, one third part How to Win Friends and Influence People, and one third part Unsinkable Molly Brown. She loved so many people and was loved equally in return. Barbie came as a boarding student to Brownmoore Academy for girls at age 12, and her family soon moved to Paradise Valley from Chicago. She graduated from Scottsdale High School, the University of Arizona and after her children were raised and off to college, attended ASU to obtain a teaching degree and library endorsement. She was a school librarian in the Washington Elementary District until retirement. Barbie received the second ever Slonaker Award from the University of Arizona in 1965, which honored the outstanding alumnus of ten years tenure. In 2003, she was a finalist for Channel 3's Jewel award which recognizes women who have given back to the community. In the years between she served on the University of Arizona alumni board, and helped found Crisis Nursery, Arizona Kidney Foundation, the Maricopa County Hospital Auxiliary and was a past president of the Junior League of Phoenix. At the time of her death she was serving as membership chairman for the Friends of the Phoenix Public Libraries. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Lee, daughter Connie (Tim) Genrich, and son Christopher, of Phoenix, and son Geoff (Stephanie) of Thousand Oaks, CA. and seven grandchildren. Also survived by an aunt, Virginia Cluett of Westwood, Mass., and brother Thomas Mitchell of Phoenix, and James Mitchell of Temecula, California and cousin Avis Wierzba of Park Falls, Wisconsin. Services are scheduled at All Saints Episcopal Church in Phoenix on Tuesday, April 13th at 4:00 P.M. The family requests that in lieu of flowers you consider a membership in the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library or a donation to the Friends of the library. Please contact Jason Peterson at the Friend's office at Burton Barr Branch for membership or donation information. (602-534-5208)

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbie Perry

7 Entries

Katie Perry

May 9, 2004

It's incredible, however expected, to hear so many great things about Grams. It's amazing that she has touched so many lives. I miss her very much. I love you Gramps.

lee perry

April 26, 2004

messages received from J and J, Carole, Cat, Joe and Lynne. Also heard from Connie about the memorial placque in the chaparral library, she would have been so astounded and honored. Thanks for writing.

Joanie and Julius Nussbaum

April 25, 2004

Barbie and Lee--Our first friends as a newly married couple in 1956 in Harlingen, Texas. Together in love and sweet memories through the years. Barbie will,always,shine in our hearts. May her memory, forever, be a Blessing.

CAROLE PAINTER

April 20, 2004

Barbie and I began working at Chaparral School at the same time.

She was by far the very best childrens' librarian ever! We had many similar interest---working with children, reading, raising our families, hiking. I shall miss her deeply. love, Carole

Catharine Fournier

April 13, 2004

Barbie was always such a breath of fresh air. I was blessed to have known such a sweet and soothing spirit. To her family, my heartfelt sorrow for your loss. She is in a better place and smiling there.

Joe Carter

April 12, 2004

It was my privilege to know Barbie during the years that she was our librarian at Chaparral School in Phoenix. She was a special friend to all the students and teachers. She always had a kind word and a ready smile for each of us. My deepest sympathies go to her family. Barbie, we miss you.

Lynne Parrish

April 10, 2004

My condolences to the Perry family. I babysat for the Perrys back in the mid 1960's and have very fond memories of those times. Barbie always left me a Pepsi, Fritos and a Twinkie. It may seem odd to some that I would remember something like this--it isn't to me. It was just one of the many things that Barbie (and Lee) did to make taking care of the three children the best job I ever had. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow.

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