Barbara Emily Buskirk
1925 - 2023
Barbara Emily Buskirk was born July 9, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York to Henry and Emily Engler. Her siblings were Helen and Henry Alfred Jr. Barbara grew up in Bellerose and Queens, New York and attended Public School 133 and Jamaica High School. After high school she went on to Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She married Henry F. Bang, her childhood sweetheart. She had 3 children, Katherine Susan, H. Bradley and Laurel Beth. The family lived in Waukesha, Wisconsin until 1967, when Henry’s job took them to San Mateo, California. Barbara finished a teaching credential in California and worked in the San Mateo Union High School District as a math teacher. Barbara and Henry separated in 1973. Henry Bang passed away in 1996 in San Mateo. In 1978 Barbara changed her last name to Buskirk after her great grandfather, General “Bluster” Buskirk. After the name change was official, Barbara soon learned that General Buskirk tore through upstate New York pillaging and slaughtering families in his path. But she didn’t want to go through the hassle of changing her name again. After retiring, Barbara moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1984 where she lived for 25 years until moving to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2010. She passed on May 8th 2023 at the age of 97. She is predeceased in death by her sister, Helen and daughter, Katherine. She is survived by her brother Henry Alfred Engler of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and his wife, Carol, her children, H. Bradley Bang and wife, Cecilia, of National City, California and Laurie Kent of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and 3 grand daughters, Mandelynn Rose, Sydney Sadie and Daniella Gabrielle. Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was an avid reader and writer and wrote the Times bestseller book “Where the River Bends” which can be bought on Amazon.com. Barbara also loved traveling, knitting, gardening, politics, Indian food and a good Manhattan. She had a wonderful sense of humor and will be remembered by her family for being kind, a good listener and her strong sense of loyalty to family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held later this year.
I am so fortunate to have known Barbara all these years. We shared stories, laughs, tears and ideas. She was an inspiration
I will miss her so very much.
She was my sister and my buddy. I loved her.carol
My Aunt Barbara truly was a sweet and gracious lady. I will always treasure the times I spent with her, particularly when she was sharing stories of her younger years with her brother Al and her younger sister Helen, my mom. There actually was a short period of time when Aunt Barbara and I were roommates in her condo in Charlotte. We spent hours talking and sharing meals until Cathy and i bought our home. Aunt Barbara may be gone, but her big heart and our memories will go on…
Aunt Barbara exuded grace and joy! Her sense of humor and smile brightened everone’s day. I am so thankful for the times I had with her and her family from camping in her backyard in Wisconsin about 1963, to wonderful shared times in Florida, with Kathy in California, and finally from the beaches of North Carolina to her final residence. I loved her stories of precious times with Mom, Arnie and all the family. Aunt Barbar, your beautiful smile and joyful voice are permantly and loving imprinted in my mind and heart where they shall reside for the rest of my days. Thank you!
Barbara was just an Incredible person! She was so kind, loving, funny and just a Joy to be with! She was a huge part in transforming my daughters, Mandelynn and Sydney, into the Special people they are today! Our time at your place in Charlotte was such a joy, watching parades on main street and walking to the stadium to watch Panthers football! It was always a pleasure to be with you Barbara! Thank you!
Barbara, my sweet friend. I’ll never find friends who loved me genuinely as you. You knew I loved you just as much too. I find comfort in all my thoughts of you. All of our talks and “Alexa” laughs will always be remembered in my heart. I promise to drink lots of pine needle hot tea and eat brie cheese all for you! I promise to explore more of New York and eat lots of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and drink grape juice.
Until we meet again my friend….I love you!
Alexia….turn off 1st plug…..
TaMara….your caregiver…..The BAG LADY
And JANE AUSTEN!!!!
Aunt Barbara was a kind, thoughtful, yet strong, brave, and resilient soul. I never knew her to be anything but a cheerful, calming presence at family reunions, which could be hectic 😉. I admired her for her many creative pursuits and her constant interest in learning something new.
Godspeed, Aunt Barbara, you will be missed.
Aunt Barbara
A beautiful woman who aspired to care for and about others in the world.
We travelled many roads together whether; a walk on a new path or abroad to live in a new region, and taste a new chocolate truffle.