Barbara C. Luton

1928 - 2015

Barbara C. Luton, 86
PORTLAND - Barbara C. Luton passed away peacefully in Portland, in the early morning hours on Oct. 15, 2015. Barbara was born to Colin and Ruth Campbell in Newton, Mass., on Dec. 26, 1928. She admitted as a child to feeling a bit cheated by having Christmas overshadow her birthday (people would give her a "combination" gift, she explained). Barbara and her younger sister Nancy wore orange on St. Patrick's Day, sang in the church choir (though she told the hospice chaplain that she "was beyond all that"), worked as a page at the local library and enjoyed sledding, ice skating and school.
She attended Mather College of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. There she met Michael Luton, an Englishman studying American History. Upon graduation they moved to England and married in 1952. Joanne was born and Peter followed. The family returned to the United States on the Queen Mary in 1957 and settled in Cleveland, Ohio.
When the children were little, Barbara began her career with the Shaker Heights Public Library. Barbara reveled in books and earned her Master's in Library Science. She advanced through the library system and served as Director for 20 years until retirement in 1994. Barbara guided the library from a card catalogue and rubber stamp, brick and book institution into a digital and information technologies center of discovery and service, from a traditional whispering space to a contemporary, vibrant community resource. She promoted the values of libraries and literacy and voted for every school and library levy. In retirement Barbara wrote book reviews for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and planned numerous literacy and bibliophile events.
A determined walker, Barbara took long, arm-swinging rambles on the beach, through the town and in and out of park trails. She and Michael traveled enthusiastically. She loved the theater and the symphony and could knit while reading. Barbara's feisty resolve and core of integrity and independence inspired and sustained her personally and professionally. She had opinions and spoke her mind with wit and without malice.
For many years Barbara and Michael gathered her sister, children and grandchildren at Goose Rocks Beach, for sand castles, beach hiking, bird watching, laughter and lobsters. Visits with grandchildren highlighted each year, and much time was spent playing trains on the floor, reading stories, telling stories, watching enthusiasms blossom and values mature.
Barbara and Michael moved to The Cedars in Portland, in 2010, where they enjoyed their neighbors and deeply appreciated the thoughtfulness of all the staff.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband Michael Luton; and sister Nancy Ricker, brother-in-law Colin Cornwall; and nephew Steev Cornwall. She is survived by her children Joanne Allen (Jonathan), Peter Luton (Linda Berg); grandchildren, Katherine Allen (Aaron Putnam), Emily Giarrocco (Brian), Colin Luton and Seth Luton. Also, survived by niece Debby Roy (Tom); and cousin Fred Campbell (Deanna); sister-in-law Enid Cornwall; and niece and nephews Philippa (Kevin) Bishop, Andrew Cornwall, and Jonathan (Naomi) Cornwall.
A family celebration of Barbara Luton will be held this summer at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Mass. Barbara's kindness and generosity, her civic mindedness, her dry wit and her devotion to family and friends remain to bless the world. To share memories and condolences with the family, please go to
www.athutchins.com

Memorial gifts in her honor
may be sent to the
Shaker Heights Public Library
16500 Van Aken Boulevard
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120
or to a charity of your choice.