Barbara “Barbie” Ostrom
Barbara “Barbie” Ostrom, age 93 of Wooster, died at her residence at Brookdale on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, following a period of declining health.
Barbie was born on April 18, 1925, in Oakland, California to Owen and Muriel (Castleman) Pearce. She spent the first 88 years of her youth in Northern California before moving to Ohio in 2013 to be closer to her daughter, Nancy Hildebrandt, who, along with husband Marcelo, devotedly cared for her.
Throughout her life Barbie wore many hats. She loved the years she spent as a homemaker. She also enjoyed working for the U.C. Berkeley campus as assistant manager for the Men’s Faculty Club. Perhaps her favorite role, however, was serving her community. For decades she was a volunteer with AFS International Exchange Program, Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Girls Scouts of America and numerous other nonprofit organizations.
Barbie loved to dance. Hawaiian, Argentine tango and Viennese waltz were her favorite styles. It was fitting that she met the love of her life, Ralph Ostrom, in a social dance class. Barbie and Ralph travelled the world in retirement, relishing every adventure together. They danced all over the Earth and are surely back at it in heaven.
Barbie spent every summer at Echo Lake in California. It was in this natural paradise, surrounded by her family and friends, that she felt most at home.
Barbie always had a positive outlook. She was filled with love and laughter. Her precious smile and gentle demeanor will be missed by all those lucky enough to have crossed her path.
Barbie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph and daughter Linda Wayne.
Barbie is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Marcelo) Hildebrandt (Wooster and Fairlawn); grandsons, Daniel (Shanna), Alexander, Alfredo, Diego and Oliver; step-children, Jay, Robin and Paul Ostrom; and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Wooster Community Hospital's Transition Care Unit, Brookdale Wooster Hospice, Brookdale Wooster and Brookdale Montrose for the wonderful care extended during her final years and days.
Cremation will take place. A private service will be held at Echo Lake, California at a date to be determined.
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is handling the arrangements. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at the funeral home's website at www.aublefuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950, or any organization of one's choosing.