Birth date: Jul 14, 1931 Death date: Jun 22, 2024
Barbara Jeanne Hawkins, 92, of Olmsted Falls, Ohio passed away on June 22, 2024. She was born on July 14, 1931 to the late Wilbur and Claudia Ruth Stokes. She is survived by her children, Craig (Debra) Hawkins, Constance (Joe) Wa Read Obituary
I, Amy, met Barbara and her husband through their son, John. After immigrating from Hong Kong to the United States, my first job was cleaning at the Olmsted Community Centre, thanks to an introduction from John. As new immigrants, my family and I lacked friends and were unfamiliar with American culture and customs. Barbara and her husband, John, graciously invited our family of four to their home for our first traditional American Thanksgiving, where we enjoyed Barbara’s delicious roast turkey. To this day, I vividly recall that delightful meal. Their warm hospitality left us immensely grateful.
We were also invited to visit Uncle John’s Plant Farm Home and Garden. They gifted me a pot of poinsettia and allowed me to choose another plant—I selected a four-inch pink Christmas cactus. Barbara’s husband even treated us to our first hayride, a novel and enjoyable experience.
One day, Barbara and John drove over with a load of firewood, teaching us how to stack it near the house for convenient heating during harsh winter power outages. Their son, John, also wrote a college recommendation letter for my older son, who successfully gained admission to his preferred university. Additionally, another of Barbara’s sons, Jeff, hired my younger son, who was still in high school at the time, to work on lawn maintenance at Uncle John’s Plant Farm Home and Garden.
Barbara and her family’s assistance and guidance enveloped us in the warmth of home within a foreign land. Their love and care continue to resonate in our hearts. May she rest in peace.
Amy, Terry, Edwin, Vincent Ng
I will always be grateful that Barbara was in my life since childhood. Her loving aura was always welcoming and her smile was of such warmth. Rest in Peace, Barbara. You lived such a full life on this Earth, leaving behind children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to carry on your loving legacy.
