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BORN
1932
DIED
2020
Barbara Cochrane Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Cochrane
Frank
March 25, 2024
It has been four years since your passing and one should be able to come up with something unique to say other than I miss you more every day. But spring is here and things beginning to to bloom bringing hope for the season ahead. Primarily just a note to let you know that we all have not forgotten you. With all my love; Frank
Amy
March 20, 2024
I always think of you when I'm cooking, mom. Especially when I'm looking in the larder and deciding what those ingredients can make. You could always make a great meal with whatever was on hand. Miss you. Love you.
Milt Cochrane
March 20, 2023
Mom every time I hear a red winged blackbird song I think of you. I have been seeing them almost every day spring is here but there was snow on the ground on your birthday.
Amy Sweeney
March 20, 2023
Amy Sweeney
March 20, 2023
Thinking of you, Mom. And watching for your flowers to start blooming. Miss you.
Kiva Addison
March 20, 2023
Hi Mom!
Mr. Robin is singing his song this morning. The crocus are blooming and it is SPRING!
Love you lots! Kiva
Kiva
April 3, 2022
Spring always makes me think of you. Grape hyacinth and crocus, irises and snapdragons. You taught me how to make snapdragons talk ... Each color had a nationality. Thanks for sharing your love of nature with me.
Frank Cochrane
March 30, 2022
Dear Barb (Mom) While I was searching our picture file I found this picture of you modeling a native costume. It reminded me of how much we enjoyed each other during our many trips. You were a great companion and you played a major role in making each excursion enjoyable. It makes me realize how much I miss you, or perhaps how much I relied on you for instigation and encouragement. Thank you so very much for the person that you were.
Frank Cochrane
March 29, 2022
Barbara loved fabric, particularly hand woven fabric. This picture was taken in Central America where the vendor was featuring fabric woven on a backstrap loom.
Diane Getrum
March 29, 2022
Mom! I have started a new tradition. On Fridays I leave a treat in my mailbox. My carrier thinks it is for him, but I place it there thinking of you. My box comes late in the route and I imagine that you are tired, the brakes are hot from all the stopping, and your tray is not empty. And my box misses your notes. So this treat is for you. Love you Mom!!
Milt Cochrane
March 22, 2022
Milt Cochrane
March 22, 2022
Milt Cochrane
March 22, 2022
Wow Mom I never appreciated or realized how many tons of last years flower stocks, grass, and tree prunings you hauled off to the burn pile every spring. I remember two springs ago asking you what tools you used to dig the grass ect out of the iris beds. You held up your hands and ssid these are what I use.
The call of a redwing blackbird always gives me comfort, as if you are just over there observing. A hoot hoot hoot from a great horned owl also reminds me of you Mom.
We miss you when we play majong mom.
Dad is taking good care of you geraniums they are always in bloom.
Amy Sweeney
March 20, 2022
Everyday I am reminded of your wisdom: when I take care of some task that you showed me how to do efficiently, or use some skill you taught me, or see life in a way you modeled for me. Thanks, Mom
Kiva
March 21, 2021
Mom, you are still here... Guiding me through the rough patches, cheering me on in my successes. Not a day goes by without thoughts of you. I remember best you smile, your laughter and your hugs.
Amy Sweeney
March 20, 2021
Every thursday when I'm cooking for a crowd, I always think of you, Mom. You taught me to cook, and how to do it efficiently. Your lessons and your "can-do" attitude made it possible for me to help feed hungry people. Thanks, Mom
Eric Overgaard
March 20, 2021
I miss you Auntie!
Amy Sweeney
June 3, 2020
Whenever I pick up my mail, or go to the post office, I think of Mom. Of course that's partly because she was a rural mail carrier for many years. I remember how she told me that a breakfast of yogurt, granola and fruit would keep her from getting hungry during the long miles of her route. That is still my favorite breakfast--tastes great and keeps your stomach from growling for hours longer than any other food I have tried. I also remember how she used to look out for road kill on those mostly empty country roads, coming home with interesting feathers, and once a fox tail. I remember Mom's mail route also allowed her to scope out places where wild asparagus sprouted on lonely roadside ditchbanks each spring. But mostly the mail reminds me of her because of all the thoughtful and interesting packages she sent over the years. When I was in college, she would send very welcome cookies or brownies, always with a $20 bill tucked inside. Later it was owl pellets for the kids' science projects, her homemade dried apples, sun-dried tomatoes, home-grown garlic, or cool rocks from her collection. Once she mailed a log wrapped in burlap with a mailing label sewn on. Another time it was a large whole geode netted with twine, our mailing address on an attached cardboard tag . It makes me smile to think of what our own mail carriers might have thought as they delivered those last two items! Love in a mailbox. Thanks, Mom!
Frank Cochrane
April 30, 2020
Thinking about Barbara this morning I am reminded of our trip to Egypt and our first encounter with the ancient culture. We were at the Giza pyramid where we were offered an opportunity to go inside via an archaeological tunnel. I was very reluctant being unaware of how I would react to the claustrophobic nature of the excavation. Barbara had no qualms,as was her nature, and was first in line, ,leaving me behind to wonder. That was the last and only time I hesitated. Yes the tunnels were narrow, steep and I could not stand up strait in many cases but you learn to deal with it or miss out on the fantastic archaeological sites inside the pyramids.
Steve Carr
April 19, 2020
Oh Frank,
I'm so sorry to hear of Barb's passing. I will always remember her fondly and my special memory is if her standing in the back of the cattle truck as we exited the Uscaminta after having visited Piedras Negras. She was holding on to the cattle rail as we bounced along the dirt road and she had the biggest smile on her face!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your friend,
Steve Carr
Chicago
Sue LaBean
April 18, 2020
I will always remember the trip to Chiapis and regaining consciousness while the doctor is sewing up my head and Barb is jiggling my foot and saying, "It's okay, Sue. The doctor is sewing up your head." Later I heard the whole story of how Barb was worried about me and convinced you to turn around and go back to see where I was, and I was unconscious on the cobblestones with my head split open and bleeding, surrounded by concerned locals. It was amazing how everything worked out. Thinking of you, Sue LaBean
Patricia Spofford
April 15, 2020
DEAR ONES, Barbara was a very special person! She spent her whole life doing interesting projects. Always curious! She was kind & available, always adding fun to whatever was happening. She will be missed by all of us. Her work was always admirable!! She was the very best of company & friend! Accomplished a notable life!
Kiva Purkett
April 15, 2020
Mom, I find myself thinking about your ready laugh, abundant hugs and wonderful smile this morning.
Barbara and grandson Ian weaving together , 2009
Amy Sweeney
April 14, 2020
Barbara instructing grandson Ian on weaving, 2009
Amy Sweeney
April 14, 2020
Barbara and granddaughter Katie weaving together in 2009+
Amy Sweeney
April 14, 2020
Barbara and granddaughter Katie showing off weaving they created in 2009
Amy Sweeney
April 14, 2020
Amy Sweeney
April 14, 2020
Mom patiently showed my kids how to weave on her loom during the summer of 2009. A treasured memory for us all.
Frank Cochrane
April 14, 2020
Once again Barbara we find ourselves in need of your expert knowledge as we started the lawn sprinklers. This has always been your domain and we are in need as we look at the task. There are some 35 valves that allow us to irrigate the two acres of lawn these valves are controlled by seven or eight timers. No two valves can run at the same time so it is necessary to know start, duration and stop times for each valve and program them into each timer. How you did all of this without complaining and getting mad is a wander in itself. But then we, yes the two of us, had to check each run to see that the equipment was working right. Yes you were a farm girl and could use a shovel and did so very well as you replaced damaged sprinkler heads and repaired water and electrical lines.
There is no end to talent and work ethic that we have become so use to excepting as a mater of fact. I do hope that you know how much we appreciate you.
With all my Love Frank
Candi Durusu
April 13, 2020
As I thought about Aunt Barbara and what I wanted to set down as my remembrance of her, my thoughts came about to a word that does NOT describe her. That was shirk. My own aging brain stopped me from from coming up with immediate antonyms and I had to look them up. Accept and face were very good words to describe the role model Aunt Barbara set for me in handling life as it rolled out. I don't want to presume what she was feeling but she must have approved and even cherished much and often because so much of what she did with what came her way was always turned into something greater than its parts. As our own mom accepted that her mortal life would end, Aunt Barbara was ever steadfast in helping us in that encounter to confront it when it was hard for us to do it on our own. It was a gift she didn't have to give and it was so very much appreciated. Nope, not a shirker.
Vicki Steigner
April 11, 2020
Mom was a great traveling companion, always willing to try something new, talk to people and look in another shop. We went on a sewing cruise in February 2019, visiting five islands in the eastern Caribbean. Once ashore, our goal was to find the local fabric store, see what the locals bought, and shop for bargains. On Feb 15, we docked at St. Martin and not finding fabric stores in the visitor's guide asked a clerk in the ladies wear section of the local department store for directions.
She said, Oh, yes there is a fabric store but its way, way down the beach. Way too far to walk. She looked at Mom. But here's what you do. Go out that door and flag down the next minibus. Give him a dollar each, don't pay any more than two dollars! Ride all the way to the end of the beach and get off when he turns inland. Then walk down to the alley toward beach and the store is right there.
So that's what we did. We caught the bus, paid our two dollars, waved and shouted when he turned inland and hopped out in the alley. Then we turned and walked to the beach. No fabric store. We circled the block to the left. No fabric store. We circled the block to the right. No fabric store. But there was a men's wear store with an Indian merchant sitting on a beach chair in front of the open door. So we stopped and asked him if he knew where the fabric store was. Oh, yes, yes, come this way, this way! He led us down the alley we'd just walked up and showed us a little door in a blank wall with a small, hand lettered sign that read Fabriques. We opened the door and walked in. Three large, brown ladies greeted us from the center of a mound of red taffeta that they were winding onto bolts. They greeted us with big smiles. Welcome! Come in! We are open!
The shop had five tiny rooms each stuffed from floor to ceiling with bolts of fabric. Oh the variety! The wild colors! They had everything from brocade to shade cloth. We looked and felt, and picked fabric until we had this big pile of stuff on the cutting table ready to go. Mom whipped out her credit card and said, And this is how I'm going to pay for all this!
Ooooh, said the owner, shaking her head, So sorry, we do not take credit cards. The fees! Instant change of plans! Now it was a race to separate the can't live without from the nice to have. Then we emptied our purses and figured out how many yards of the best of the best we could afford. We spent every cent we had except for two dollars to catch the mini bus back to the boat. We laughed and laughed about our adventure all evening imagining what would have happened if we cut first and offered to pay later!
Tina S Van Dam
April 8, 2020
I had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Barbara and Frank on international trips with a travel group. Every destination was always more interesting and memorable because of Barbara's curiosity and insatiable desire to learn, then to pass on her broad knowledge to others. Her kindness and warmth were incomparable. The Cochrane's ability to translate Mayan hieroglyphics amazed even the local guides. A big hole is left in all our hearts by the passing of this wonderful woman.
Amy Sweeney
April 7, 2020
I remember that Mom would not let us swat spiders we found in the house. She would have us put a glass over them, slide a piece of paper under them, and then let them go outside. I never liked spiders much, but Mom would tell me how spiders helped us by eating flies and mosquitos, so we should not squish them, but instead carefully catch them and just move them outside where they belonged. One day Nurse Mary from Home Hospice came through the tacoon door, and was a bit spooked by a large spider on the doorframe. She kept commenting on how big the spider was. I went over to move it out of the doorway, and from her bed Mom called out, Dont squish him! She didnt settle back until I assured her that I intended to catch him in a cup and put him outside, juar like shed taught me. Spiders in the house always make me think of Mom, and her respect for those beneficial creatures.
Mercy Nyagah
April 6, 2020
TRIBUTE TO MAMA BARBARA
I met the Cochrane's in Kenya late '60's when they joined our Kigari College community. Mama Cochrane fitted in effortlessly, with an open door policy to her warm kitchen and house. The aromas from her kitchen drew in a motley collection of curious kids from every corner of the campus. Her garden had a variety of 'strange' crops like cucumber, rhubarb, and the familiar sweet strawberries. She acted as a minder, feeding us treats, plus treating the occasional cuts and bruises from our bike races. She made us broom horses, complete with manes, eyes - quite a treat to us 8 and 9 yr olds! We also had to learn English early to interact with the expatriate families.
The only rule I remember she enforced was that Kiva was out of bounds when we went out to play! She was too young for our boisterous activities.
The Wamai and Nyagah family remember you fondly. You handled life in a foreign country, different languages and culture with dignity and tact. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but you took it all in with grace.
Lala salama Mama Barbara. May you rest in peace and sing with the Angel's. Amina.
Amy Sweeney
April 5, 2020
Mom loved birds. And she especially loved the owls that hang out at the Melba place. I remember her showing my kids how you could pick apart an owl pellet and discover what rodents the owl had been eating. Owl sightings were one of her favorite things to tell us about in phone calls or emails. Even during the time she was too sick to go outside herself, she enjoyed hearing any of us report on seeing or hearing owls about the place. On the last day that I helped care for her, I had taken a break to walk in the pine forest down by the road. I looked up at a rustling overhead, and there was a large, pale barn owl, looking down at me from a leafless tree among the pines. It looked right at me for a long moment, then flew away. I went back up to the house and found that Mom had passed, at right about the same time that owl and I were looking at each other. About a week later, as Dad and I returned from bringing Mom's ashes home, two Great Horned Owls were calling back and forth to each other from the orchard as dusk fell. I will always think of Mom when I hear owls.
Nichole McAllister
April 5, 2020
Grandma, I love you and miss you! I admire you and have looked up to you my entire life. Your strength and resolve and your ability to find beauty in everything was and is so comforting and inspiring. I'll remember your smile and laugh and ability to wave off negativity with an "oh phooey!" Your ability to rally a crew was impressive. Of course, I don't think any of us really minded because your mandated cookie, beer and sandwich breaks in the shade made everything worth while.
As a kid, it was always fun to wisk you away to my room the moment you arrived for a visit and share my rock collection with you, you had the patience to look over every single one with me. It was always a treat to take walks by the river as well. And when visiting your house, the dinner yodel was a treat to hear!
As a teenager, you and Grandpa always made sure to ask how things were going and lather on the praise and encouragement. Some of my favorite memories are playing seemingly endless games when we came to visit, Scrabble, Mahjong and Quiddler.
As a young adult, you welcomed visits any time and the both of you even opened up your home and property to host my wedding. I'm not sure whose idea it was to take the pop-up trailer down to the "front forty" and escape, but I'm sure you and Grandpa appreciated the getaway, and then were thankful when it was over!! LOL!
As a Mom, you were able to make that special connection with my kids, who love you and miss you as well! The past week, Evelyn has been inspired to sew on her machine, she made her own bag without help!
So many good and happy memories, I feel so fortunate to have had you in my life. You are gone, but I find myself thinking of you often and in the past weeks I have heard your voice of encouragement and reason more than a few times.
You are missed greatly! I love you Grandma and Pa!!
Barbara with Masai women who agreed to have their picture taken for the exchange of a few tin can lids from our camp (1969)
Frank Cochrane
April 3, 2020
I remember the trip to Egypt where you had no qualms about entering the small passage ways of the pyramids
Frank Cochrane
April 3, 2020
April 3, 2020
Barbara, what a treasure you were to so many, hence, you will be--are--greatly missed! So many memories in just the few short years I knew you. I will miss our card games!! Also, your wonderful pies! I have a lasting memory of you as I remember when you brought me a shamrock plant. I still have it and it is thriving. Missing you, like all the others who have shared their memories.
Diane George
Eric Overgaard
April 2, 2020
No pictures Auntie but I miss you and always
will.You are one of my guides in this life and I hope see you on the other side. I love you.
"Grandma" Barbara and Evelyn (age 4) sitting on the swing in the backyard in Melba
Doug McAllister
April 1, 2020
Grandma Barbara and Evelyn (age 4) sitting in the backyard in Melba
Doug McAllister
April 1, 2020
Barbara, you will be greatly missed. My children, Evelyn and James affectionately called you grandma and Frank grandpa they're going to miss your hugs and conversation. You truly were one of the kindest souls I have ever met in my life. I was lucky to have known you for 14+ years, every time I saw you, you were always warm and welcoming. The world has lost a truly funny, compassionate and loving person.
william nance
April 1, 2020
Best Mail lady.. ever... and a good archaeology student.. We will miss you greatly...
Diane Getrum
April 1, 2020
Dear Mom,
I just wanted to say thank you for being my mom.
Thank you for putting up with me when I came home from college knowing everything.
For just teasing me about soap when I insisted on cleaning your house. You could have said so much more.
For showing me how to make beautiful stuff out of things other people might throw away!
For sharing your spirit of adventure. You joined me at the Buddhist Retreat because you thought I needed to go. I did. I know you found meditation a bit boring but the vegan food was surprisingly good, and our long midnight chats were priceless.
Thank you for teaching me that a smile is more important than make up and cheerful attitude more important than fancy clothes.
Thank you for holding me when I thought my heart was breaking.
May your spirit walk in beauty and go in peace.
Occasionally, would you please look over my shoulder and remind me that I don't know everything.
Love,
Diane
Camping in the Serengeti, Kenya
Frank Cochrane
April 1, 2020
Frank Cochrane
March 31, 2020
Vicki Steigner
March 31, 2020
My mother gave me the most wonderful gift -- a life time interest in fiber arts. She taught me to sew and did it in the most caring and supportive way when I was nine. That year I wanted to make a blouse for myself. And not just any blouse, a button down the front band, long sleeves, ruffled cuffs, a wide ruffled collar and ruffled placket. It was a completely unacceptable project for a first time garment. But Mom didn't say a word. She bought me the fabric - a wonderful textured white cotton and let me go to town. She only helped me when I asked for assistance and never took over the project. And best of all, she never made me rip things out or change a seam. I was so proud of that blouse and wore it all year to school! Years later I found it stored away in the Mom's cedar chest. The blouse is as wide as it is long, the sleeves are different lengths, the button holes are crooked and the raw edges of the ruffle down the front placket show in several places! It's hilarious and wonderful. I'm sure that if she'd make me "fix" it I'd have thrown it away and never sewn again. Instead, through her support and generosity, she gave me the joy of a lifetime of creative sewing. Thank you, Mom!
Rebecca Hoffmann
March 31, 2020
My Dear Aunt Barbara was always up to something. Being a curious person, I was always interested in *what* she was up to! I asked her for advice on numerous occasions and I was always enlightened. She was clever, O SO CLEVER! She was a master at making something wonderful out of seemingly little or nothing. It was always an adventure to spend time with her. Every Cochrane family event over the years was brightened and enhanced by her presence. Mark and I will miss her energy VERY much! Sending much love to my Uncle Frank and Diane and Vicki and Milt and Amy and Kiva, Becky and Mark Hoffmann
Brother - William Line
March 31, 2020
Rest easy, favorite person in all the world!
Kiva Purkett
March 31, 2020
She was a wonderful caring woman and we all miss her very much!
Milt Cochrane
March 31, 2020
"Rise and Shine" was how I remember starting my days as a youngster. Mom would drive us down the lane to the bus stop if the weather was inclement.
As a grandma she doled out heaping helpings of love and attention to all the new members of the family. Every grandchild has a hand made quilt complete with dedication block on the back.
Moms brand of hospitality was second to none all projects an jobs were put aside during a visit.
Thank You Mom for showing us how to live life to the fullest.
Milt
Debbie Cochrane
March 31, 2020
You've moved on but are not forgotten. I see you in the works you left behind. I see you reflected in your 5 wonderful children. I see you in the flowers and trees you planted. I see you in the birds and the butterflies. You're in my heart and memories and I thank you for loving me as one of your own. We'll keep tabs on Dad for you
Frank Cochrane
March 31, 2020
Thank you Barbara for the many years of happy and productive life together. Your guidance, kindness and optimism has been our corner stone. Missing you greatly
Amy Sweeney
March 31, 2020
Miss you so much, Mom. Your "can-do" attitude has always been a guiding force in my life, and will continue to be.
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