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Barbara Garlock Obituary
June 14, 1960 - June 23, 2013
Raleigh
We celebrate the life of Barbara Marie Bosma Garlock, born June 14, 1960, for the spectacular love, light, and joy she gave to so many. Barbara offered spiritual sustenance and healing to others as a pastoral counselor, awarded healthcare lawyer, and emergency assistance specialist. Incorporating her strong beliefs in social justice and education, Barbara fearlessly mobilized for the health, economic, and social needs of others as a leader for cancer support groups, public schools, and in the Methodist Church. Sharing her infectious delight in art, beauty, and friendship, Barbara relished her time as a docent at the North Carolina Museum of Art, visits at Whole Foods, and walks at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. Barbara enjoyed poetry, reading, travel, and music with the love of her life, Deo Garlock, and encouraging the performance, athletic, and artwork of her children Marie and Hunter Garlock.
Barbara graduated from UVA summa cum laude with highest distinction. After UVA Law School, she clerked for Charles Becton at the NC Court of Appeals, wrote successful legislation on health information privacy, was a Top 10 Young Lawyer in NC, president of the Health Law Section of the NCBA, and young recipient of the Martin Dale Hubble distinction for ethics. In the past few years, she began the Bread for Our Neighbors Summit, volunteered as a Steven Minister, Wake County Schools Character Education coordinator, and with the Friends Program of the NC Bar. Over the past several decades, Barbara served on regional boards for Women NC, Triangle Family Services, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, American Cancer Society, and on the NC Methodist Conference Board of Church and Society. Barbara's dream was to start a Center for Patient Partnerships, helping people navigate our broken health systems. In the meantime, she mentored countless colleagues, young people, other persons facing life-threatening cancer, and spiritual seekers. Beautiful inside and out, she was a friend and inspiration to everyone! Carrying on her spirit are her husband, Deo Garlock, daughter Marie Synowiez Garlock, and son Hunter Garlock, of Raleigh, her mother Yvonne Boston of Cary, her father, stepmother, and brother Boyd, Madeline, and Roland Bosma (AZ), and her dear siblings and their families John (Juanita, Avani, Kalia) Handy Bosma (TX), Kimball, Susan (Eric, Stephanie, Matt) Potter, and Laurel (Birk, Mark) Bosma (VA). In a journey filled with miracles and the prayers of many, Barbara faced down stage IV metastatic breast cancer for 6.5 years. Barbara passed on with her family embracing her on Sunday June 23 at her home in Raleigh. We hope you will continue as she did: with humor, curiosity, creativity, and gratitude, in the warmth of unconditional love, and living life to its fullest! A celebration service will be held at St. Francis UMC, 2965 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC, 27518 on Saturday June 29, at 11:00 AM. Donations in her honor may be made to the healing ministries and emergency assistance funds of St. Francis, to Spiritual Health Resources, or to Breast Cancer Action. Call 919-362-1666 for more information.
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Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Garlock
Paula Marston
June 20, 2025
Oh, my dear friend, just a few days ago I opened up a file I have saved of remembrances of you. One of them is titled Barbara´s list of free healthcare. I have used that list to help several friends who needed help with breast cancer scares. You made it up for me just a few months before you passed when I had asked you for information to help a friend. you were always there to help, and you still are. I think of you often, my dear, I will be 77 tomorrow, and can´t believe that I´m still here when someone like you is gone. I so look forward to moving into the warmth of your radiance again one day.
Paula marston
June 20, 2024
Oh, my dear Barbara, all these years have gone by, but you remain a bright star in my heart. It brings a smile to my face just remembering you and your many kindnesses, the way you lifted us all. I know that I will see you once again, coming toward me with open arms, as you will, toward so very many of us, who will never forget you and your shining light.
Paula Marston
June 20, 2022
Oh my dear friend, I think of you often and miss your kind and caring companionship. You are held tenderly in my heart dear Barbara.
Uneada Lester
June 20, 2022
I thought of you on your birthday. You will always hold a special place in my heart as I reflect on our time together on this earth. RIP Barbara. You are missed by many.
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Cornelia Kip Lee
July 17, 2013
Dear Deo, Hunter, Marie and Andrew:
You have all been in my thoughts and heart-prayers for weeks, yet I did not know until today that Barbara had passed on. My heart goes out to you for your incredible loss. I always felt wonderful in Barbara's presence--I felt her love, her caring, and especially her genuine interest in how I was or what I was up to. I feel lucky to have known her, even a little, and to have been able to offer a small gift of healing movement to her support groups. She had a near miraculous ability to transform ordinary moments into jewels of love and lightheartedness. I celebrate her living legacy of you, her dear family. May you be comforted as much as possible by all she gave to you.
Love, hugs, and blessings, Cornelia
Irene Williams
July 15, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Barb's death. She was one of my favorite people in law school -- always happy and giving and so together with her marriage. I wish I had kept in touch.
Jeniece Learned
July 14, 2013
Dear Garlock Family,
I just found out yesterday that Barbara had passed. I am so sorry for your loss. I have only known Barbara for a short time, but she was such a beautiful gift and light in my heart. I met her at the cancer support group she ran and our hearts were forvever melded together. She embraced me as a person and supported my unorthadox decision to reverse my breast cancer naturally. We often ran into each other at Whole Foods and I never saw her without a smile and she always had optimism in her words. I feel a better person because of knowing her. I pray God would comfort you and hold you as you grieve.
Debra Mann
July 8, 2013
Dear Deo, Marie and Hunter,
I and my sisters spent many summers with "Barbie" at Grandma and Grandpa Boston's house as we grew up. Many cherished memories were made and remain dear to my heart. Her smile and sense of humor will be remembered.
My condolences,
Deb Mann
SHERRY MOREY
July 8, 2013
This life will not be the same without Barbie! I do know she has left her bright mark on everyone she has met.Thou she has left this life for a better one, her love and memories will remain with me! Dear cousin you will be greatly missed. Sherry
Howard Manning
July 6, 2013
Dear Mr. Garlock, Marie, and Hunter, I am so sad to learn of your loss and send sincere apologies for not being physically present at Barbara's transitional service. I just learned of her passing this morning. Barbara was an inspiration to me during the days she spent giving her time and talent at Dorcas Ministries. She reminded me so much of the Apostle Paul, because in spite of her personal challenges, she was always encouraging others. May you find comfort and strength knowing that our community is a better place today because Barbara passed through it. Surely the work she did speaks volumes for her and you.
Norm & Lane Rose
July 5, 2013
Video of Barbara sharing her dream =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN0omsbnbc8
Barbara served with the volunteers at Dorcas Ministries for many years. What an angel for those of us still on this earth!
Our condolences to her family.
Norm & Lane Rose
July 3, 2013
Dear Deo and Family: I count my brief years of working with Barbara as a high privilege. She is such a delightful, warm, bright and caring person who has touched so many people, encouraged so many who were discouraged, and brightened so many in despair. Her parting from this life is no doubt enormously sad and painful for you and her many friends--but for her, because of her Lord's all sufficient work, she has received new life and her eternal and just reward and heard the sweet words "well done, my good and faithful servant." May the Spirit both encourage you and comfort your pain now and until you are with her again in glory. Kevin Miller
Uneada Lester
July 1, 2013
Deo, Marie and Hunter, my heart aches for each of you! I am so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you were the center of her world. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to work with Barbara in years past. I only hate that so much time passed between our visits. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sara Strassle (formerly Creagh)
July 1, 2013
What a fine human being--joyful, smart, inspired as well as inspirational. I think of her legacy, of what she meant to those she left behind. I'm so sorry.
Becky Sidden
July 1, 2013
I met Barbara several years ago in my position at Western Wake Crisis Ministry. It was clear that she had a passion for outreach and cared for her community. We were so sorry to hear of her passing and wanted to let her family know we were thinking of them. With our prayers...
Western Wake Crisis Ministry, Apex
Mark Rosenfeld
July 1, 2013
Just received the sad news, and am upset that I was not able to be at the memorial service. Barbara was a never-ending inspiration. She will be greatly missed. I was always have the fondest of memories of the times I was fortunate to be involved with her in church projects. My prayers go out to the family.
Kerry harwood
July 1, 2013
Just learned yesterday of Barbara's death. So sad, the world has lost a light in the darkness. Her beautiful spirit carries on in Marie and Hunter, a legacy beyond all others she has left.
Geeta Gireesh Gupta
July 1, 2013
So sorry to hear the sad news....may God give strength to your family in this difficult time. Much love.
Phyllis Marlette
June 30, 2013
Just learned of Barabara's passing at church today. What a loving and giving spirit she had and she fought the cancer fight with such courage and dignity and touched others in the same fight. Love to the family.
Susan Thomason
June 29, 2013
Barbara was an inspiration and friend to all. She will be missed. Love and prayers to the family.
Jeanine Rogers
June 29, 2013
Barb was such a beautiful earth angel who lived her authentic life to its absolute fullest. She was a great gift to the world and touched so many people. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Deo, Hunter and Maria.
Sharon Pakosz
June 29, 2013
Dear God, thank You for sharing Your amazing Angel with us for 53 years. To all of the Garlock, Boston, and Ferguson families and Barbara's huge 'friends' family, may God wrap you in His arms and give you Peace. Love, Sharon (Ferguson) Pakosz
Holt Anderson
June 29, 2013
Barbara contributed significantly to the concepts and principles for model privacy legislation for electronic health records in NC that were used in crafting the national HIPAA legislation that is a foundation for protection of information about patients - we all are indebted to her for that enduring work!!! Thank you Barbara.
Krista Graebner
June 28, 2013
Peace
Andy, Jennifer, jack Siouville
June 28, 2013
Barbara was quiet a character. We served her coffee regularly at our coffee bar, although she certainly had plenty of excitement and love of life that she was really in no need of the caffeine. Sympathies to Deo, Marie, and Hunter.
Belinda Barlow
June 28, 2013
The Garlock family have been our special friends for the past 12 years. Barbara was the kindest woman with the biggest heart ever! Deo, Marie & Hunter, we will always be there for you! xxxx
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Linda Edwards
June 27, 2013
Beautiful Barbara's Spirit is free in the Universe, sending us all Light and Love. Blessings and condolences to family and friends.
June 27, 2013
I only met Barbara once. It was on a walk with a friend at Hemlock Bluffs. My friend (also a friend of Barbara's) and I ran into Barbara. Barbara had “the spirit of someone familiar...someone easy to talk to and be with." We talked a bit and later walked down different trails, but our paths crossed at a spot in the woods where she said, "I'd like to have a bench here (in this spot) where I could sit and...” It was one of many beautiful spots at Hemlock Bluffs. I know her spirit now beholds and basks in that beautiful spot in the woods...
Patricia Hampton
Elizabeth Kahn
June 27, 2013
Barbara was a spiritual and intellectual inspiration as I witnessed her give a portion of her final years as a docent at the NC Museum of Art so that children could appreciate beauty.
Elizabeth Kahn (Cary)
J G
June 27, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. 1 Pet. 5:7
Karin Synowiez
June 26, 2013
It is obvious that Barbara was an amazing and inspirational woman. Her legacy will continue through her daughter who is very much like her and whom I am proud to call my sister. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
June 26, 2013
Barbara was our niece-in-law. A beautiful person inside and out from the time we first met in Omaha in the 1980s when she and Deo visited here en route to Albuquerque & attended the College World Series. Young & deeply in love, we were joyfully impressed that Deo had chosen the very BEST to be his bride. We grieve with Deo, Marie & Andrew, Hunter and all of her friends and associates who, too, saw all of the fine and distinctive qualities unique to Barbara Bosma Garlock.
Aunt Rita & Uncle Greg
Last week at Barbs home
Paula Marston
June 26, 2013
I have never met a more caring and nurturing person. My dear friend was truly interested in each person she met, and saw the light and love in us all. At the end of her life her concern was for her family and friends, and her only regret was for all the things she still wanted to do. Every one of those things was intended to help others who were in need. I will always be thankful that I knew this sweet, kind hearted woman.
Yevonne Brannon
June 26, 2013
Barbara "added" significance to everything she did, everywhere she went - every conversation, every word she shared..she was so kind, so easy to talk with and she always looked at you as you spoke, you knew she was listening, caring, and concerned..you always felt your time with Barbara mattered. And she mattered so much to us all. So thankful that I had an opportunity to work with her.
Susan Ferguson
June 26, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are for all of the family! We all loved Barb very much and will miss her very much! God Bless!!! Love! Sue & Ed
Cathi, Alan, Jessica, Sean Clark
June 26, 2013
Barbara was the most beautiful,selfless, kindest person I have ever known. She inspired my entire family and will always hold a
special place in our heart. She spent her life giving and ministering to other people. We will miss you so much.
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