Barbara Jean Abma
Barbara Jean Abma, age 90, of Springfield, died Friday April 27, 2012, in Eaglewood Care Center. Born on December 20th, 1921, in Bay City, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late George and Olive MacPhail.
She was also preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, Lyn, Robert and John and sister, Mary Louise.
After graduating from high school in 1939, Barbara went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954 and Master of Arts degree in 1955 in psychology from Michigan State University, and practiced as a psychologist at the Columbus State School for the Mentally Retarded for 10 years. She further pursued studies in psychology and earned a PhD in 1969 from The Ohio State University. Barbara had a fulfilling career as a clinical psychologist from 1970 to 1990, working in clinics in Springfield and Urbana and at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. After retirement she established a private psychology practice.
Her memberships in professional organizations included the Ohio Psychological Association and Zonta Professional Women's Club. Barbara was known by all as a person who was sweet, warm, unconditionally accepting and dedicated to helping others, as well as steadfast in meeting ambitious goals for personal achievement.
Barbara's family is grateful for the compassion and care of the staff and caretakers at Eaglewood Village.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 52 years, John Abma, daughter, Mary Lou Robinson of Maryland, son and daughter-in-law, William and Cathy Robinson of Colorado, daughter and son-in-law, Joan (Abma) Elder and Andrew Elder of Springfield, daughter and son-in-law, Joyce Abma and Paul Carr of Maryland, and grandchildren, Meredith, Will, David, Robert, Mara, Erin, Caleb, great grandsons, Jacob and Kolten, and many special nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday May 2, with memorial service to follow. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.littletonandrue.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara Abma Fund at the Springfield Foundation, 4 West Main Street, Suite 825, Springfield, Ohio 45502.
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