Barbara Jean Weller
1948 - 2022
Barbara Jean Weller
1948 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1948
DIED
2022
Barbara Weller Obituary
Barbara Jean Weller (July 13, 1948 – September 20, 2022) was born in Joliet, Illinois to Leonard “Brownie” Weller and Lucy Mae Redmon. She was raised in Plainfield, Illinois on the family farm with her two brothers, and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1966 as salutatorian. Barbara earned her Bachelor’s in History from Cornell College in 1970. There, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for international scholarly exchange in London, England. She went on to graduate top of her class from University of Iowa School of Law in 1973, as one of only a handful of women. Barbara practiced law with the armed forces in San Diego, California for several years, before relocating to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career with the civilian agencies. There, she was rapidly promoted, including at the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Energy. Barbara soon rose to the leadership position of Deputy Solicitor at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
In 1981, she met the love of her life, Dennis Siepmann, and they married on Christmas Eve, 1984. In 1987, Barbara departed the federal service and moved to Sterling, Virginia to devote herself to raising her three sons. She created a household of unconditional love for her family, and gave her children every ounce of wisdom, compassion, and kindness required for the flourishing lives they enjoy today. Barbara loved Classic Hollywood cinema, the fiction of Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, interior design and fashion, law and politics, and Downton Abbey. She displayed an insatiable, curious intellect her entire life, and lifted everyone she met with her wit, charm, and grace. Barbara is survived by her adoring husband Dennis; three sons, Christopher, Daniel, and William; elder brother James Sr.; sister-in-law, Mary; and nephew, James Jr. She is now reunited with her father, mother, aunts and uncles, and younger brother, William Weller. Barbara’s absence is an irreparable hole in our hearts, but we feel her spirit close each day when we live the way she showed us: with integrity, and selfless care for one another.
Family will receive friends on July 23, 2023 from 1:00pm to 2:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE., Leesburg, VA 20176 where a Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers a gift may be made to University of Iowa Law School https://donate.givetoiowa.org/s/1773/foundation/interior.aspx?sid=1773&gid=2&pgid=476&cid=1176&appealcode=2021GFWA
4 Entries
Kathy Lutz
July 27, 2023
I went all through grade school & high school with Barb. She was always nice to everyone & was very smart. It was a beautiful obituary. I’m happy that she had such a loving family & fulfilling life.
Rest in Peace, Barb.
William Johnston
July 23, 2023
I primarily knew Barbara through our visits to Plainfield as a child so that the three sisters - Ann (mom), Lucy (aunt), and Mary (aunt) could get together.
I have many fond memories of the Plainfield farm house and all the kids playing together.
Jim Lewis
July 22, 2023
Barbara and I were colleagues and friends when we worked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. She was a brilliant attorney, often asked to argue the most difficult cases in the courts. She brightened any room she entered with her smile and infectious laughter and was always a source of wisdom and humor. Condolences to Dennis and her entire family for her loss.
Jim Lewis
Kathleen Conroy
June 24, 2023
I was in law school with Barbara and we had a natural bond as a few of the handful of women in our class. After we graduated the Watergate hearings were held that summer and enrollment of women (and men) skyrocketed! Sincere condolences to the whole family for the loss of beautiful Barbara.
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201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, VA 20176
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