Barbara (Bobbi) Keppel

Bobbi (Barbara) Keppel, age 92, died after a long illness on June 14, 2025, in Portland, Maine. Her last few months were blessed with visits from many people who loved her, who were able to say a long goodbye in person and virtually. She died peacefully at home, loved and cared for to the end, with folk music playing.

Bobbi led a long, dynamic, and interesting life. Deeply intelligent, kind, insightful, and very funny, she had many friends, diverse interests, and boundless curiosity. She was born in Washington, DC, attended school for a time in France, graduated from Oberlin College in 1955, and obtained her MSW from the University of Nebraska, in 1979. She married Bob Keppel in 1957. They lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for several years, where they got heavily involved in the folk music scene. When they moved to Omaha, Nebraska for Bob's teaching position, they cofounded the Omaha Folk Song Society with four other couples. Bobbi remained dedicated to folk music the rest of her life, playing autoharp until she couldn't and always singing. Their two children, Wilma and David, were born shortly after they moved to Omaha, where they grew up. After her children were a little older, Bobbi attended the University of Nebraska, obtained her Masters in Social Work, and worked for many years in marriage and family therapy. After Bob died of cancer in 1980, Bobbi eventually moved to Portland, Maine, where she resided the rest of her life.

Bobbi was a dedicated mother, Unitarian Universalist, quilter, gardener, cook and preserver of food, musician, wood-worker, and committed activist in the LGBTQ community (especially the "bi" community). She is deeply missed by her many dear friends and family. In addition to her friends and caregiver, Dominique, she is survived by her son, David, and daughter Wilma (Kathleen).

A celebration of life will be held at Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church in Portland, Maine, on Saturday, September 20th at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to attend in person or online. For a Zoom link, contact office@a2u2.org.