Remembering Barbara Mayer

Barbara's family asked that this sad news be shared with the Gauverband. 

Barbara Elizabeth Mayer, born Barbara Elizabeth Grasmugg on July 16, 1941, in Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023. She was the daughter of Frank and Barbara Grasmugg and grew up on the vibrant North side of Chicago alongside her siblings, brother Frank and sister Katherine, and under the care of her parents and grandparents.

During her teenage years, Barbara was introduced to the German club, Holzhacker Buam, in Chicago, where she developed a love for the Schuhplattler. It was here that she met her dance partner and lifelong love, Leo. In 1959, Barbara and Leo married and began their journey together, blessed with three children: Leo J., Barbara L., and Maria. Seeking a better life and drawn by the allure of the majestic Colorado Mountains and abundant skiing, they moved to Colorado in 1967 with the generous support of friends from the TEV Edelweiss Club, Denver. Settling in Lakewood, they established their home, which would remain for the next 53 years.

Barbara's life was marked by profound love and loss. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Leo, her parents Barbara and Frank, and her sister, Katherine. Her memory will live forever with her children: Leo J. in Germany, Barbara L. (Victor) of Littleton, and Maria (Michael) Rase of Lakewood. Barbara adored her two grandchildren, Aana (Noah) and Kevin (Kristen), who brought immense joy to her life and she adored them dearly.

Barbara's connection to her German heritage and love for music and dance remained central to her life. She and Leo were active members of the German community, as evident in their dedication and their contrbutions to the growth of the TEV Edelweiss and their Schuhplattler group. Barbara's service to the community extended to serving as a judge for the Gauverband Nordamerika both in the United States and Germany. Leo and Barbara so loved the dance they worked tirelessly for the 1969 and 1985 Gaufeste held in Denver, and the development of the TEV Edelweiss Kinder group.

Throughout her life, Barbara was a dedicated coordinator of various community activities, demonstrating her passion for promoting music and cultural appreciation. Notably, she played a pivotal role in coordinating the delegation from Germany that dedicated the Father Rupart Mayer Chapel at Regis Jesuit High School. She was deeply involved with the Edelweiss Preservation Foundation, contributing to the development of German Day in Colorado, playing accordion for the youth group at the Edelweiss and supporting the Denver Youth Musicians for many years.

Barbara's interests were varied and creative. She was an accomplished needleworker and a member of the American Needleworkers Guild and the Cake Decorators of America. Sharing her talent, she ran a needlework workshop in Lakewood, where she taught countless individuals a variety of needle arts such as knitting and needlepoint.

Moreover, Barbara was a firm advocate of genealogy, helping many families find long-lost documents through her contacts in Germany. Her dedication to learning and preserving family history extended beyond her own kin, and she took great pleasure in assisting others with their personal genealogical research.

Barbara Elizabeth Mayer was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many. Her warm heart, unwavering commitment to family, and passion for preserving her German heritage will be dearly missed. She leaves behind a legacy of love, cultural appreciation, and community spirit that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of those she touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Barbara's life will be held at St Jude Catholic Church, Lakewood, CO, Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara's name to The Arthritis Foundation (https://www.arthritis.org/honor-memorial-form) in the hope to find a cure OR to the GTSV Alpen Auerhahn (via this link: https://bit.ly/44SpmFt) to support German culture preservation for future generations. Condolences and memories may be shared at the Horan & McConaty website.

We celebrate the life of Barbara Elizabeth Mayer, a woman of strength, love, and generosity, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.

"With love, we remember, with gratitude, we honor, and with hope, we look to the future."

May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.