Barbara Posner Ward
PLYMOUTH - Barbara passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on March 1st at 85 years of age. Widow of Jack P. Ward. Loving mother of Tod (Hany) and Joshua (Julia) Gimbel. Grandmother of Elijah, Lena, and Sanjay Gimbel. Sister of Ric Posner (Gail). Stepmother of Ellen Ward Lansing and Debbie Ward Schaefer. Special friend and partner of Michael Ballo. Predeceased by parents Gene and Ruth Posner and brother Jeffry Posner.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Franklyn Gimbel, and they had two children, Tod and Josh. After their divorce, she married Jack Ward. They moved to Massachusetts where they resided first in Framingham, and later in Plymouth where Barbara lived for almost five decades. She joyfully wintered in Sanibel Island, FL for many years. Barbara made friends wherever she went and put in the effort to keep them close. There are probably fewer stars in the sky than people who loved her.
Barbara was educated at Tufts, UW Madison, Bridgewater State University (BA), and Lesley University (Masters in Psychological Counseling). She also earned numerous yoga accreditations from the Kripalu Yoga Center. Barbara opened the Yoga Connection in Plymouth where her loving spirit guided participants to connect their minds, bodies, and spirits. As a licensed psychotherapist, Barbara helped people sort out the thorny knots of life. Through all these efforts, Barbara made a positive impact on countless people’s lives.
Barbara was an active person who loved walking, biking, and kayaking. She loved the beauty of nature and never came home from a walk without some treasure; a feather, heart-shaped rock, or piece of beach glass. She was a fabulous entertainer who threw together effortless charcuterie plates and meals for friends. Fourth of July ice cream sundae celebrations on her deck were not to be missed.
Her family was most important to her, and she cherished every moment together. She recently celebrated her granddaughter Lena’s Masters Graduation from Tulane University in New Orleans and was looking forward to celebrating her Grandson Sanjay’s High School Graduation in Santa Monica, CA in June.
She was an amazing spouse, partner, mother, grandmother, friend, and teacher who epitomized love, support, and friendship to the many people whose lives she touched. For such a tiny physical being, she took up an oversized, unmistakable, and delightful presence in the world that will never be forgotten.
Celebrations of her life in both Plymouth and Milwaukee are pending. Barbara always prioritized philanthropy, so please consider a donation to Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee or The Plymouth Philharmonic in her honor.