Barbara A. Wouters

Barbara A. Wouters died peacefully on July 8, 2024, under hospice care in Palm Harbor, Florida. Born on October 22, 1934 in Elizabethton, Tennessee to Fred Volney and Hattie Lois Campbell, Barbara is survived by nieces, Cassandra Cleghorn and Angela Bolan, and nephews, Paul and Nick Ondrejka, as well as many cousins, grand nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister, Freda Jean Campbell, and by Barbara’s devoted husband of fifty years, Arthur Peter Wouters, Barbara lived “from sea to shining sea” — from Groton, CT to Bremerton, WA. For the last several decades of their marriage, Barbara and Peter made their home in the Santa Barbara, California area. They were passionate supporters of live music — especially of the Santa Barbara Symphony, the Music Academy of the West and pianist Gil Rosas, steadfast members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and avid travelers to Europe. During her years in Southern California, Barbara was a highly sought-after real estate agent, and a devoted volunteer in the public schools, specializing in literacy and music appreciation. After Peter’s death in 2013, Barbara made her way to St. Petersburg, Florida, which she always considered her true home. Barbara graduated from St. Petersburg High School and earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut. A gifted actress, singer (contralto) and comedian, Barbara took great joy in performing with community and professional groups, including the Ventura County Master Chorale and the choruses of the Baltimore Civic Opera and the Seattle Opera. Most recently, Barbara found support in the community of Elison Senior Living of Pinecrest in Largo, and at Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg. Barbara was a discerning woman of fierce intelligence and enormous heart — always as ready to listen and laugh as she was to offer loving advice. Barbara will be dearly missed by those who counted themselves blessed to be her friends and family.

Barbara will be buried with Peter at Santa Barbara Cemetery. A memorial ceremony will be held by Barbara’s family in the coming months.