Barbara E. Forbes, age 82, of Pemberville, OH, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Otterbein Senior
Living, Pemberville.
She was born on December 6, 1936 in Chicago, IL, to biological parents Harry and Estella (Redlinger)
Smith, and was later adopted by Clifford and Elizabeth Forbes. She would later come to call Pennsylvania
her home. She graduated with honors from South Hills High School in Pittsburgh, PA. She would receive a
scholarship in the Music Fine Arts to Carnegie Mellon University and also attend the University of
Pittsburgh (School of Business Administration) during the evenings.
While Barb lived most of her life in PA, she moved to Otterbein in Pemberville, OH in 1998. She had
worked as a legal administrative assistant in PA for a number of years before her retirement. Her
passion had always been music and she was the choir director and organist at the Palmyra Church of the
Brethren in PA. She continued her love of music when she came to Ohio, first at St. John’s U.C.C. in
Genoa and then at the First United Presbyterian Church in Pemberville. In addition, she was a member of
the American Guild of Organists, Toledo Chapter. Barb had a wonderful zest for life and always had a
smile to share.
Barb is survived by her cousin, Richard (Lorraine) Beck of NJ, and a host of friends and admirers.
She was preceded in death by her adoptive and biological parents, and special friend, Scott Muir.
Friends will be received 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2019 at the Otterbein Senior Living Enrichment
Center, 20311 Pemberville Road, Pemberville with a memorial service beginning at 3:30 p.m. Officiating
will be Rev. Jim Miller. Barb will be laid to rest in Troy Township Cemetery, Luckey, OH.
Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Otterbein (Benevolent Care Fund), First United
Presbyterian Church of Pemberville or the Mauer Family Cancer Care Center.
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at
www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
