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Barbara Layden Obituary
1933 - 2025
Salt Lake City, UT - Barbara Ann Layden (née Campbell) passed away peacefully in her home on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025. She is survived by her children, Scott (Marsha), Michael (Jaime), Kate (Buzz), her 11 grandchildren, and her 9 great-grandchildren.
Barbara was born in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, on October 21, 1933. She settled in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1979, where she was a pillar of her community for over four decades. She received a two-year certificate in Hotel Management at Georgia State and a counseling degree at the University of Utah. She used the latter to volunteer with the Salvation Army to help those suffering from alcohol and drug abuse. For a program marked by anonymity, Barbara was committed to making sure people never felt alone.
Anyone who knew Barbara knows she was a singularly positive woman, quick to offer a smile, a laugh, and a cup of coffee. Her first priority, always, was her family, whom she was fiercely proud of. She was a lifelong learner, traveler, and a voracious lover of culture-theater, books, movies, and ball games. Parties will be dimmer without her and her spirit.
At the end of her life, no one was cared for better. The family is eternally grateful to Lauren, Omar, and Maria for their tireless work and warmth.
Barbara is preceded in death by her dear sisters and brother, her parents, her granddaughter, and, just this summer, her husband of sixty-eight years, Frank. Theirs was a love story unlike any other. After spending most of their very full lives together, an unstoppable unit, it feels fitting Barbara did not ring in a new year without him.
There will be a funeral mass on Tuesday, December 30th at 11 AM at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
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Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Layden
Sponsored by Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City.
Keith Robinson
January 1, 2026
Barbara and Frank lived around the corner from my former in-laws. I would quite frequently run into one, or both of them and it was always like we had been friends, no, more like family forever. So grateful that they found their way to my home town! They did DO much good in the community and were always examples of how a person should be. I miss them both! Rest in peace my friends!
Angeline Campbell Kringel
December 29, 2025
I met Barbara when I was visiting Salt Lake City in the summer of 1988. Having lived in Salt Lake myself for 10 years previously, I visited my girlfriends each year, after relocating to Westport, CT. Each year when I saw Barbara, it was as if she was seeing her best friend! She never failed to greet me with a smile, a hug, and a big "welcome back!" I will miss this "gift to many" very much. I wish I were there to say good by tomorrow. God bless you, Barbara
Kim (Farr) Straw
December 29, 2025
Barbara had a remarkable way of making people feel like they truly belonged. Some of my fondest memories are of the time spent with her and the family—moments filled with warmth, laughter, and an easy sense of togetherness that always made me feel at home. Whether it was a Jazz game, holiday gathering, a celebration, or an ordinary day, Barbara’s presence brought comfort and joy.
I am especially grateful to Barbara and Frank for always including me in so many special occasions and events. As their daughter’s best friend, I was never made to feel like a guest, but rather like part of the family. That generosity of spirit meant more to me than I can fully express, and it is something I will always carry with me.
Barbara’s kindness, her welcoming heart, the love she shared so freely and her infectious smile and laugh left a lasting impression on my life. The memories made will forever be a source of gratitude and warmth, and I will always cherish the time I was fortunate enough to spend with her and the family.
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Ty Larsen
December 29, 2025
Every time we went to a SL Bees game at Smith´s Ballpark, we always hoped to run into the Laydens-and many of the times, we did. I´ll truly miss singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" with Coach leading the chorus with Barbara by his side.
Charlotte Mates
December 28, 2025
Dear Layden Family & Friends
Peace be with us as we mourn Barbara´s passing & celebrate completion of her beautiful circle of life.
Fondly with tons of love
Maria Lenzsch
December 28, 2025
I remember going out to visit with Grandma Bourgeau and having sure a great time. Going to the Hawks and Jazz games and just spending time with the family. Those memories are priceless. Love you Aunt Barbara & Uncle Frank you will always hold a special place place in my heart till we meet again
Michael L Stone
December 27, 2025
I had the wonderful honor of being friends with Barbara for almost forty years. She had so many rare qualities. I can honestly say she always had a warm smile, no matter the circumstance. Warmth and compassion were ever present. She was truly a grande dame, always dignified. She and Franks marriage is a blueprint for how it should be. I miss her greatly.
Tom and Agnes
December 27, 2025
Barbara was one in a million friend. She helped so many. She will always have a place in our hearts.
Bob and Renae McFarland
December 26, 2025
Barbara Ann was a special friend, along with frank,we had so many fun dinners and outings over the year along with her family´s, they mean so much to us and will never forget the fun and friendship that was shared with us.
Katie, buzz, michael, Jamie, Scott, and Marsha were so gracious to share their parents with us and we love them all.
So sorry to see Barbara pass but we both feel that she is reunited with frank, love of her life
Bob and Renae McFarland
Maria Lenzsch
December 26, 2025
Love you Aunt Barbara till we meet agsin
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