Margaret Frances Skeffington Barlow
September 27, 1916 - December 19, 2017
Margaret Frances Skeffington Barlow departed this life on Tuesday, December 19, at the age of 101. She was born in Lisbon, North Dakota to Emily Frances and Leo Skeffington. She was a devoted sibling to John, Catherine, and Ruth. She attended George Washington University while working for the Office of Price Controls, and met her future husband, Ace Barlow, during coffee breaks at the Old Post Office Building in downtown D.C. During World War II, she volunteered for hazardous duty government service in Puerto Rico, where she enjoyed the beautiful beaches and dances with the dashing fly-boys stationed there. She also volunteered for the Red Cross.
As soon as Ace returned from the European theatre, Margaret joined him in Denver, and they were married in September 1946. Over the next 13 years, they had 6 children. Margaret was always busy patching jeans, running Cub Scout meetings, checking homework, and trying to tame curls. Somehow, she provided individual attention to each child while keeping the whole crew on task. She loved summer days at the beach with a picnic basket full of fried chicken and all the kids in tow.
Margaret especially treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the sheer joy of her later years. She liked to tell the grandchildren about riding to school in a horse-drawn sled while nestled in a buffalo hide. Her integrity, rebellious spirit, passion for adventure, and natural stubbornness carried her through two world wars, the Great Depression, and the chaos of raising a large family. She made time for many church and school activities, including volunteering for the Little Sisters of the Poor and tutoring children in reading.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Adair Charles Barlow. She is survived by her six children Walt (Linda), Chris (Peg), Tom (Jackie), Peg Stanford (Wayne), Rich (Celeste), and Betsy Aldridge (Charlie). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Michael Barlow (Jen); Katie Klingensmith (Jim); Theresa Kudlick (Chris), Anny Barlow, Christine Barlow, Heather Barlow, Rose Barlow (Jared), Emily Fenske (Kevin), Robert Barlow, Tom Barlow, Mark Stanford (Kristen), Dana Stanford, Dylan Barlow, Alex Aldridge, Matt Aldridge, and Nikki Aldridge, and 10 great-grandchildren: Owen, Will, and Lincoln Barlow; Erin, Colin, and Sydney Klingensmith; Julia, Natalie, and Kerri Kudlick; and Xander Rojas.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 27 from 12:30-1:30 pm at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE. A brief funeral service will follow. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living and Mim Luff and Romaine Severt for their kind support and care. We also wish to thank the extraordinary ministers of Holy Family Parish who were loving and faithful visitors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Little Sisters of the Poor Delaware,
Peg Stanford
Love you, Mom!
Fran Gregory
I love you, Aunt Margaret. I’m going to miss you like crazy.
Mark and Valerie Rutt
It was an honor to have known her. Prayers for peace and understanding during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the entire family at this time.
Patty Kudlick
So sorry for the loss of this remarkable woman.
Ruth Klingensmith
Such a special lady. She will surely be missed.
Ruth Klingensmith
She was such a special lady. Only knew her for a short time but will surely be missed by all who knew her.
Ruth Klingensmith
Such a great lady, She will be missed by all who knew her,
Richard & Martha Gagnon
Peace to all…
John E. Tudek
The loss of a dear loved one at this time of year is heartbreaking beyond belief and my condolences
to you all. I had the pleasure of her acquaintance all too briefly but I knew she was quite a lady
and loved by all who knew her, family and friends alike. May you all find some comfort in knowing she
is at peace in the arms of the Lord Our God.