In Memory of Barbara
Barbara; top row, far right, with the pink dumbells, green shirt, and beautiful smile.
Every so often we meet someone who inspires us by the generous way they live. Barbara Martinez was like that for me.
I first met Barbara and her husband, Ed, at a fundraising event for the Family & Children’s Center that took place in Viroqua at what was then called The Ark (now The Commons). Dane and I sat at a long table with our bowls of soup and greeted our tablemates. It turned out that Barbara and Ed knew Roger and Pat Martin, my neighbors at the time, and a lively, lovely conversation ensued.
I felt a natural connection with Barbara, who was a loyal advocate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and The Other Door. She was also interested in wellness and soon began attending a fitness class I taught at the Viroqua Church of Christ.
Barbara was leading the Vernon County chapter of NAMI, and we decided to hold a fundraiser where I’d lead a fitness class and donate the proceeds. Barbara was instrumental in organizing the event. Unsurprisingly, the room was full that evening, and a gorgeous spread of healthy snacks was offered after.
Barbara chose the same place to sit for each exercise class: over to the right, midway back, aisle seat. From the get-go, I was impressed with her dedication. If she needed to miss a class due to travel or an appointment, she told me ahead of time—and those times were rare.
Often, we’d have a two-minute conversation before or after class, like the time she excitedly told me about her upcoming visit to see her son. I knew from the start that Barbara was a giver, a caretaker. One gal in class was going through cancer treatment, and Barbara made herself available for rides when needed. Another time, Barbara walked in with a new lady and introduced her to me. Bonnie was also in cancer treatment, and Barbara had told her about the class and started bringing her.
I learned that Barbara didn’t like it when I brought music and the class got a bit too dancey. She liked her exercises to be straightforward, easy to follow, and efficient. When COVID came, she started attending the complimentary outdoor classes offered at the VFW post. She always wore a mask and somehow managed to find that same place—off to the right, midway back, next to the aisle.
When, during the stay-at-home period of COVID, we transitioned to offering online classes, Barbara was a huge support. From day one, she signed up for and attended every class she was able to. It wasn’t unusual to get an email from her, thanking me for class and telling me how her life had benefited from it. Sometimes Dane and I would walk at Sidie Hollow after class, and Barbara and Ed would often be there, finishing up a walk themselves!
When Ed had a medical challenge, Barbara emailed me and shared the news. She was upbeat, dedicated, and positive about her husband's recovery, and sure enough, the next time we had a chance to talk in the Co-op, Ed was recovering and doing well.
About a month ago, Barbara missed a class, and I noticed. Then she missed another class, and I sent her an email. When Barbara didn’t answer, I began to worry, because it was so uncharacteristic of her. I reached out to their daughter, Sara, sent private messages on social media, and eventually found out she was having a medical crisis.
Ed kept us updated while caring for Barbara and navigating the medical world along with Sara’s guidance as a nurse. Many friends sent well wishes and prayers, and candles were lit in her honor. Sadly, it wasn’t long before Ed sent another email telling us that Barbara had passed peacefully from brain cancer.
Barbara touched many lives here in our community—even around the world, I learned later. Her quiet strength, support, and friendship will be missed. Her dedication to exercise was exemplary. She was a role model for how she gave of her time and talent to NAMI and The Other Door, to friends in need, and to me years ago when my neighbor Pat died.
In Barbara’s passing, we have lost a person of true grace and kindness. I'll bet she was warmly greeted by Pat. I can almost see them organizing, rallying for social justice, and sharing their concerns over the next presidency.
Our friend Barbara died the way she lived: peacefully.
There will be a service for Barbara on Thursday, February 22, at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Viroqua. Visitation at 10 a.m. and a funeral Mass at 11 a.m.