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Barbara Duvall Obituary
Essence and spirit of gems," - a long-term resident of Greenwich and a founding staff member of Greenwich Emergency Medical Service, Inc. (GEMS), died on February 20, 2007 at the age of 59. She was born July 28, 1947 in Margarita, Panama Canal Zone to the late Robert and Willie Marie (Callaway) DuVall.
Barbara moved to Greenwich in 1966, and was an active and devoted volunteer and member of the community for the past 41 years. Her volunteer career included Disaster Services for the American Red Cross, the Transportation Association of Greenwich, and Stamford Ambulance Corps. Barbara also started at Greenwich Emergency Service (GEMS) as a volunteer July 1, 1986, the date of GEMS inception. She advanced her EMS certifications and became a career EMT-I staff member in 1988. Since her first day at GEMS, Barbara's commitment to excellence and professionalism set the standards for her fellow staff members. Barbara's qualities of honesty, concern for her colleagues, and compassion for her patients was interlaced with a contagious smile, sense of humor, and a passion for adventure and fun. Barbara received numerous commendations from her patients, received several GEMS Outstanding Service Awards, and was named Career Person of the Year in 1994. Over the course of her 20 year career, she was involved in multiple instances where a patient's life was saved, and the quality of their life was restored.
In addition to her dedication to her career and her friends from multiple walks of life, Barbara was known for her love of nature and the animal world. She kayaked Long Island Sound, camped in New York, befriended and photographed wild animals and flowers, was an avid gardener, and delighted in crafting gifts for her friends. But the love of her private life was her pets. Over the years Barbara has cared for many cats, dogs, parrots, and parakeets, but her lasting affection was for her ferretsÉ.Sable, Margarita, Lulu, Thumbelina, and Hazel.
Barbara's passion for adventure and fun included numerous transcontinental excursions, some on the Concorde. She was as comfortable in evening wear as jeans as she attended Hollywood Openings, New York Museum Benefits, the opera, the ballet, and private yacht cruises. Although Barbara had a life rich with culture, travel, and unique experiences, Barbara was always comfortable with "who she was" and respected and embraced each person's individuality.
Barbara will be terribly missed by her brother Joseph Duvall and his wife Carolyn from Jacksonville, Florida; her sister Teresa Duvall Fritz and her husband Tim from St. Petersburg, Florida; her loving aunt Dorothy Benny from the Panama Canal Zone;
her friends, and the entire staff of GEMS.
Her friends will be greeted at Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich, CT on Sunday, February 25, 2007 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Greenwich Emergency Medical Service, 1111 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, CT 06878.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Duvall
Betsey Barger
March 28, 2007
I was friends with Barbara some 20 odd years ago, at another time in her life when she was in the hospital. Then lost touch (except for updates of her whereabouts from other friends) - until a year ago (almost exactly) when I moved near her. She got a quasi-agoraphobic out of the house, got me taking pictures, taking walks, and most importantly, having a friend to share things with. I deeply miss her friendship, our daily phone conversations and visits. She left much to remember her by.... like the pictures she took profusely from her deep love of life. The daily chats can't be replaced -- but I remember and appreciate the ones we had. . . . . . .I still can't believe she's gone.
Daun Lyon
March 26, 2007
To Barbara's family,
Barbara and I were both new to Greenwich in the late 60's and became good friends while we worked at the Greenwich Gas Company. Barbara was a wonderful fiend with a lot of zip and spontenaity, and we had lots of laughs over many, many years. During the not so funny times we were always there for each other, too. I left Greenwich years ago, and in recent times we had not been in touch much. I was out of town for an extended time in March and was not able to attend her service. My deepest sympathies to each of you who love and miss her. She was indeed the very best I could ask for in a friend.
Bill Benny
March 23, 2007
Cousin Bobbie, to all the great times we had at Mom's place in Gorgona, certainly cheerished times. You are missed more than ever.
Love,
Bill
Barbara Hopkins
March 21, 2007
My dearest Bobbie I so wanted to see and be with you one more time before either one of us left this world. I will miss our friendship of probably 53 years. You were like an older sister to me. My most trustworthy friend.
Joey and Terry: You are very blessed to have had a sister like Bobby. She was fun and so full of energy while she was here. I am so grateful to have known her. All my love to you both and most specially to Bobbie.
Ted Henter
March 20, 2007
I was Barbara's neighbor when she was in the 7th grade and I was in the 4th grade. She was quite a tom-boy then, we did a lot of fishing, climbing around on the rocks by the water, and climbing through the swamp. Lots of fun times when life was so simple. Then I watched her grow up into a beautiful woman. Boy, that was a shock! We had a lot of good times then too, surfing, hanging out at the beach, bush-riding in Jeeps, etc. What fun. When she left the Canal Zone we lost touch, but I frequentley wondered where she went and how she was doing. She had a great life, and I'm really looking forward to seeing her again.
Warm regards to Brother Joe and Sister Terry.
Camille (Hendricks) Harrington
March 10, 2007
To Bobbie's Family:
Bobbie and I were good friends during our growing up years in Panama. We only lived a few houses away in Diablo and I can remember all the fun things we did growing up. Many days and nights we'd sit on the swing by the driveway, play the guitar and sing songs. We even would car pool to Canal Zone College since we took some of the same classes together. We weren't always innocent in our "fun"...we were mischievous in some of what we thought was fun or funny. But that's what makes memories fond! We lost touch after we both left the "Zone", but I often thought and wondered how and where she was. I have wonderful memories of the all the times we shared as children, teenagers and young adults. I know she will be missed so much by her friends and family that I am going to leave this poem as a means to help ease the pain for some of the people who knew and loved her.
Death is just another step along life's changing way,
No more than a gateway to a new and better day.
And parting from our loved ones is so much easier to bear,
Knowing that you've placed them in our loving Father's care.
So death is just a natural thing like the closing of a door,
As we start upon our journey to a new and distant shore.
And no one needs to make this journey undirected and alone,
For God promised us safe passage to this vast and great unknown.
So let your grief be softened and yield not to despair,
For they are only waiting for us to join them there.
February 26, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF BARBARA:
WE SEND OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO YOU ON THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE, BARBARA.
AS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST, THIS IS A TIME FOR REFLECTION ON THE GOOD TIMES SHARED BY YOU ALL, AND A REALIZATION THAT LIFE IS TOO FLEETING TO
NOT HOLD THOSE NEAR AND DEAR TO OUR HEARTS WITH LOVE AND AFFECTON. FOR EACH DOOR THAT IS CLOSED ANOTHER IS OPENED, AND WE PRAY FOR YOUR STRENGTH
AS YOU GRIEVE THIS LOSS. LOVE- DAD AND MARY ANNE
Tom Kodz
February 25, 2007
My condolences to Barb's family. I was one of her partners at GEMS, and had enjoyed working with her, talking with her, and admired her free spirit and love of nature and her fellow colleagues! She will be sorely missed!
Roseanne Morales
February 25, 2007
Terry and Joe, I never really knew your sister when we were growing up in Diablo,CZ but I remember how much she was admired by the both of you. It is so hard to lose a sibling because you constantly think of things that you would have loved to have shared with them. Treasure the memories and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Roseanne
Kim Sheldon
February 25, 2007
To Barbara's family and friends - I am deeply heartbroken at the loss of Barbara - friendship does not even describe what we shared - my family and I will miss her terribly but know she will remain in our hearts forever.
Gail Mills
February 24, 2007
To all that love Barbara...
My prayers are with all of you, at this very difficult time. I will miss all the chats Barbara & I shared at the YWCA where I work & she was a member. What a great lady she was.
Bridget Richards
February 23, 2007
Hi Barbara, I remember working with you at Medic 3 and we would go feed the goats on Sundays. You were always so sweet to me. God Bless you and may you rest in peace.
ELIZABETH LINDE
February 23, 2007
Hey Barb, you were a true friend to all. You will never be forgotten, you will be remember for all the fun times we shared, whether it was kyacking or working with GEMS. Missing you... LIZ LINDE..
Marion (Cannon) Bundy
February 23, 2007
I can't believe your gone Boobie - what a giant hole you have left in so many lives that you touched. You will truly be missed and will forever remain in our hearts.
Michael DiRoma
February 23, 2007
Bobbie was a wonderful first cousin who will be sorely missed. As Aunt Willie's daughter she was just like her mom full of spirit and love of life...Bye Bye Bobbie your cous Michael
kevin Perna
February 23, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Cindy Burgun
February 23, 2007
I didn't know Barbara personally, but I am a good friend of her sister Teresa. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. From her beautiful obituary, the world has lost a great citizen and a true humanitarian. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Karen & Edward Morgan
February 23, 2007
Teresa and All of Barbara's family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Barbara sounded like a wonderful and inspiring person. I hope that you will find comfort in her memory as well as insiration to follow her deeds of hope and careing.
Teresa (DuVall) Fritz
February 23, 2007
Beloved Bobbie,
I love you big sister and always will. You were the bright spot in my life and I always wanted to be like you. I can never forget you and you can never be replaced. My life will be affected forever by your living and dying. You were the first to be born into our family and now you are together with mama and daddy in the hereafter as a family again. I look forward to joining you so we can all be together again. I know you will be waiting for me. Thank you for all your cherished gifts over the years. They mean so much more to me now that you are gone and I know I will never receive another one in this lifetime
"The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone." -Harriet Beecher Stowe, abolitionist and novelist (1811-1896)
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