Barbara Stevens Leishman Damoiseau

Barbara Stevens (Leishman) Damoiseau, a woman of remarkable strength, resilience, and unyielding positivity, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2023, in Belleair, Florida. Born on May 30, 1930, in Waltham, Massachusetts, Barbara's life journey was a testament to her indomitable spirit and the power of perseverance.
Barbara was a woman who believed in the transformative power of words and ideas. She spent many years as a researcher, proofreader and assistant to copywriters at Kenmore Stamp Company, where she brought a unique blend of passion, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. Her work was not merely a job, but a platform to inspire and educate others. Her dedication was evident in every piece she contributed, and her influence continues to resonate in the lives of those who had the privilege to work alongside her.
In her personal life, Barbara was a beacon of love and warmth. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years Robert A. Damoiseau and their daughter Roberta "Bobbie" Pease. Barbara's legacy of love continues to thrive through her surviving daughters Susan E. Knick, Barbara Algeri, and Jane Damoiseau. Each of them, along with Susan's husband Rick and Jane's life partner Eric Hartwig, carry Barbara's spirit within them, serving as living testaments to her enduring love and wisdom.
Barbara's love extended beyond her immediate family, reaching her cherished grandchildren Kristin Menard, Brianna Gerred, Donald "DJ" Conrad, Jessica Pease, and Emily Pease. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Coleman Menard, Kassandra Menard, Caleb Menard, Deklan Gerred, and Quinn Gerred. Barbara's influence as a matriarch was profound, her nurturing spirit nurturing generations with lessons of kindness, resilience, and the power of positive thinking.
A lifelong learner, Barbara took great joy in reading and solving crossword puzzles. These interests were not just hobbies, but reflections of her curious mind and her relentless pursuit of knowledge. She had an insatiable thirst for understanding the world and its complexities, and she found joy in the challenges that both reading and crossword puzzles presented. Her love for these activities was infectious, inspiring those around her to embrace the joy of learning and the thrill of intellectual discovery.
Barbara's life reminds us of the power of positivity, the strength of resilience, and the beauty of a life well-lived. Her journey was not without its challenges, yet she faced each one with grace and courage, teaching us all the power of perseverance. Her legacy is not one of sorrow, but of inspiration, reminding us to face each day with determination, compassion, and an unwavering belief in our potential.
In the face of loss, let us not dwell on the void left behind, but rather celebrate the life of a remarkable woman. Barbara's story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. As we remember her, let us honor her memory by embracing her values and carrying her spirit within us, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire and uplift for generations to come.