Barbara was born Nov. 2, 1932, in Washington, D.C., to Elick Norris and Edythe (nee Klavans) Goodman, and lived most of her life in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Md. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring sister, inspirational grandmother, and proud great-grandmother.

Barbara received both a BA in education and an MA in museum education from the George Washington University. While raising her family in Bethesda, Barbara was an active Bannockburn community member, civil rights advocate, teacher, museum educator, dog lover, and enthusiastic participant in a wide variety of artistic endeavors. Barbara and her husband, Sol, enjoyed folk music, antiquing, travel, and spending time at their second home in Chincoteague, Va., until his death in 1991.

In 2011, Barbara moved to Champaign to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, Julia and Gene Robinson, and their family. Fulfilling a lifelong dream to live on water, and with the help of her son Michael, she moved to the Maynard Lake community. She dove into her new life with characteristic aplomb, making many new friends and creating an eclectic and beautifully appointed home that reflected her exquisite artistic sensibilities.

In 2016, Barbara moved to ClarkLindsey Village and again quickly made a new life for herself. She designed a unique and visually stunning living space. She was an enthusiastic participant in a variety of activities, and a proponent of programs to build strong community.

Barbara was a passionate life-long learner. She became an accomplished hand drummer in mid-life and performed regularly in services at Congregation Adat Shalom in Bethesda. Throughout her life, she participated in a wide variety of classes and workshops. In Champaign, she enrolled in many different classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, from story-telling to the origins of life, reflecting the breadth and depth of her curiosity. She had a special knack for asking probing questions to get to the heart of the matter.

Barbara also loved to question authority. She often imagined a better or more humane way to accomplish a particular goal and would actively advocate for her perspective. She loved debate and discussion, in book clubs, at family meals, and in one-on-one conversations. She had a creative and lively mind.

Barbara's unique combination of personality traits all came together as a trusted, loving, and inspirational elder. She was drawn to young people, and they to her. She was their friend, teacher, mentor, and confidant. She created life-long bonds with many relatives and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Elick Norris and Edythe Goodman, and her husband, Sol Orden. Survivors include her sister Laury Lobel (Paul), daughter Julia Robinson (Gene), son Michael Orden (Julie Kwiatkowski), five grandchildren, Aaron (Diana), Daniel, Sol, Rebecca, and Rachel, and three great-grandchildren, Joseph, Jackson, and Alice.

Services will be at Sinai Temple at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, followed by interment at Mt. Hope cemetery.

To honor Barbara's memory, donations can be made to the Krannert Center for Performing Arts or the Sinai Temple Music Fund.

Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Dec. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Orden

3 Entries

Gretchen Jennings

January 25, 2024

Whoever wrote Barbara´s obituary knew her well. It was beautiful, and described her creativity and curiosity so well. Barbara was a docent at the Museum of African Art in DC in late 1970s and early 1980s. I was docent coordinator. We became good friends. She was about 10 years older than I and like an aunt who gave good advice. I think of her every year when I hang a valentines card she created that is so clever I use it as a Christmas ornament. My condolences to her family. Gretchen Jennings

Alan Levine

December 12, 2023

Grew up on the same street, saw them often. The Ordens even took care of me when I was little and my parents went on an overseas vacation. One of my first memories is how they taught me to put on coat. About 15 years ago, I was back in the old neighborhood, taking a walk and saw Barbara. We talked for a good bit, a little about the past, but mostly about the optimistic future. My condolences to Julie and Michael and the entire family.

christine bury

December 10, 2023

We were neighbors of Barbara in Bethesda. She truly was the Queen of Bannockburn. I was thinking of her yesterday and decided to google her. Sadly I found her obituary. She was always so interesting and full of enthusiasm to anything new. I hope she is reunited with her dear Bella. RIP Barbara. There was no one else like you I have ever met.

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